March 13, 2006

Venezuela steps up efforts against FMD

Venezuela's agriculture ministry has set up a commission to oversee efforts against foot-and-mouth disease after neighbouring countries saw outbreaks of the disease in livestock, the government said Friday.

Venezuela last month banned imports of beef from parts of Argentina and Brazil on FMD outbreaks.

"This commission has the main purpose of recommending to the executive branch all of the relevant sanitary measures to eradicate FMD in our country," said Agriculture Minister Elias Jaua, who will head the new commission.

Control measures to be considered include increased vaccination, monitoring and greater oversight of imports.

FMD, which also strikes other animals like sheep, pigs and goats, is a highly contagious viral illness that can be spread through even minimal contact with infected animals, farm equipment or meat. The disease can be fatal in animals, but doesn't harm humans.

Fedenaga, an association that represents Venezuela ranchers, has demanded strict measures to prevent a FMD outbreak in Venezuela.

Venezuela has a large cattle industry, but the country buys beef from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay as part of agreements signed by President Hugo Chavez's government.