International FMD outbreaks spur more preparation

 

 

With recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Asia, the chief veterinary officer from the UN Food Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has asked for increased global surveillance for the devastating disease. 

 

As a result, the pork checkoff in America is encouraging producers to elevate their awareness and to continue to follow proper biosecurity measures.

 

"Early detection through surveillance is critical in providing the best opportunity to limit the negative effects of a foreign animal disease outbreak on the pork industry," said veterinarian Patrick Webb, director of swine health programmes for the Pork Checkoff.

 

With exports of US pork and pork products around 20% of production, it is in the best interest of all producers to remain vigilant, Webb said.

 

"Pork producers and swine veterinarians play an important role in knowing what to look for in a suspected case. The key is to be on the alert in order to help keep the US swine herd safe," he said.

 

Meanwhile, Japan is dealing with the FMD outbreak in Miyazaki Prefecture, by vaccinating all cattle and pigs within a 10 kilometres radius of the affected area. Roughly 50,000 cattle and around 150,000 pigs will get the vaccines.

 

Following the decision, around 205,000 domesticated cows and pigs will be vaccinated in order to prevent the spread of the outbreak before being slaughtered, bringing the total number of animals to be disposed of to 323,000 so far, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said last week.