May 19, 2011

New outbreak of FMD discovered in Taipei

A new outbreak of FMD has been discovered in Chinese Taipei, during the routine active-FMD serological surveillance, where Non-Structural Proteins (NSP) antibodies of FMD were detected on a pig farm.

Dr. Kwo-Ching Huang, the Chief Veterinary Officer and Deputy Director General in Chinese Taipei said that 14 cases had been discovered, with a further 123 more susceptible cases.

The initial investigation showed that all pigs on the farm were clinically healthy.

Fifteen serum and throat swab samples for serological tests and virus isolation were collected and sent to the National Laboratory (Animal Health Research Institute).

The laboratory confirmed 14 positive results for NSP, whereas the results of virus isolation and RT-PCR were all negative. The O serotype was demonstrated by using FMDV ELISA kit on 10 May 2011.

The monitoring and epidemiological investigation of the index farm and its surrounding cloven-hoofed animal farms (a total of 32 pig farms, one goat/cattle farm and two goat farms within 3-km radius of the index farm) have been done and no clinical or epidemiological evidence of infection was found.

The authorities have set up quarantine and movement controls.