February 20, 2006

Egypt reports FMD outbreaks

The first case of foot-and-mouth disease in Eqypt since June 2000 has been reported, according to local media.

Some 15 FMD cases have been reported in the governorates of Alexandria, Behera, Cairo, Dakahlia, Dumyat, Fayum, Ismailia, and Menofia.

The total number of animals susceptible to the outbreaks was 12,438 cattle and buffaloes, said Dr Ahmed Tawfik Mohamed, chairman of Egypt's General Organization for Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture. The World Animal Health Organization was told that in total, there were 7,356 FMD cases and 411 deaths.

The authorities are still investigating the source of infection among the cattle.

Control measures have been established and these include the quarantine of the infected areas, disinfection of infected premises and the control of animal movement to and fro the infected areas. Animals in the infected areas will also be vaccinated by the veterinary authorities.