May 28, 2013

Taiwan's Yun-Lin reports FMD outbreak

The Taiwanese veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Yun-Lin which was first observed and confirmed on May 17.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on May 23. A total of 106 pigs showed signs of susceptibility, out of which 10 cases were reported. No deaths were reported and no animals were destroyed.

According to the OIE, during the routine active FMD serological surveillance, non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) antibodies were detected on a pig farm. 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 positive results with NSP antibody. The virus isolation and RT-PCR were all negative. The serotype O was identified using FMD ELISA kit.

The monitoring and epidemiological investigation of the index farm and those surrounding farms that keep cloven-hoofed animals (a total of 49 pig farms, and two goat farms within three-kilometre radius of the index farm) have been completed and no clinical or epidemiological evidence of infection was found. The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.