April 6, 2007

OIE warns North Korea not to lower guard against FMD

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has concluded that the recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in Sangwon, North Korea, appeared to be an isolated incident, following OIE's one-week mission to the country with the FAO.

It was the country's first FMD outbreak in over 40 years.

Based on the mission's visit to the infected area and discussions with North Korean veterinary authorities, the team concluded that the risk of new outbreaks was limited, said FAO's chief veterinary officer Joseph Domenech.

However, the team also warned North Korean authorities to stay on alert.

Authorities have culled some 400 infected cattle and 2,600 pigs since the outbreak.

To avoid future FMD outbreaks, FAO is drafting a project proposal to help North Korea import high quality vaccines, develop a contingency plan and upgrade laboratory facilities and training programmes. Stepping up surveillance and strengthening quarantine procedures and diagnostic capacity are also on the agenda.