FAO calls for action in the middle of the epidemic of the disease for feet and mouth

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects animal animals, including livestock, pigs, sheep, goats and various wild species.

Europe is currently facing its worst outbreak so far in this century at the same time as exotic viral strain introduced in Iraq and other countries at the near east.

Concerns for potential expansion

“FAO recommends emergency measures to biafurity and improved surveillance After recent disease for rates and mouth (FMD) SAT1 in Iraq and Bahrain, “said the agency in anwarn.

“This serotype is exotic for regions near east and western Eurasia,” Agency continued – which means that the strain is not there – which raises “serious concerns” about her potential schedule.

The FMD is usually characterized by fever and blisters in the mouth and on their feet affected by cattle, accompanied by chromoth. Although little adult animals are subject to disease, young people can die from sudden heart failure.

The virus spreads rapidly and can affect a large number of animals, especially in countries or regions that are usually without diseases or do not use vaccination reset.

Although the FMD is not a public health threat, it seriously affects animal health and well-being, food safety and revenue by reducing agricultural productivity, including reduction in milk and meat yield.

The economic impact is also significant, with global direct production losses and vaccination costs in endemic regions are estimated to be $ 21 billion a year. The FAO noted that the true economic burden is probably much higher when the disorders on international and local trade are taken into account.

A Main outbreaks in the UK in 2001. years He led to the tension of more than six million animals and cost the economy of billions, execute cattle and tourism. The series of new response measures allegedly reduced risk and improved resistance, including local and national crisis plans for outbreaks.

Outbreaks and answers

The FMD virus was recently discovered in parts of Europe normally without disease, and the continent is now experiencing its worst outbreak since 2001. years.

Germany He discovered the outbreak of this last January, but since then he has been declared the FMD, how much later erupting in Hungary and Slovakia They insisted.

In response, United Kingdom He recently announced that he forbade the import of meat or dairy products from European countries in which the virus was discovered, as well as Austria Due to the outbreak in neighboring Hungary.

FMD is endemic in the Middle East but a recent increase due to exotic serotype that was probably introduced from east Africa. The cases were reported in Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait, although other countries are in great danger.

Many FMD virus strains are still circulating in different parts of the world, and the recent outbreaks in Europe and the current risk is highlighted, the disease represents for life, food safety and safe trade, FAO said.

Raising awareness

Although all governments invite to be awake, the Agency stated that affected and high-risk countries should consider raising awareness between farmers and cattle protection communities.

Other recommendations include biological safety measures such as the separation of ill animals from other livestock and examined by professionals, along with checking vaccination records and checking plans for criminalization.

The FAO said that the application of these land measures has significantly reduced risks.