FMD is a very contagious viral disease that affects split animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and various wild species.

Europe is currently facing the worst outbreak so far in this century at the same time as an exotic viral tribe has been introduced in Iraq and other countries In the nearest east.

Concern for potential spread

“FAO recommends urgent biosecurity measures and improved monitoring After the recent detection of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) Serotype SAT1 in Iraq and Bahrain, ”the agency said in aalert.

“This serotype is exotic to regions near East and West Eurasia,” the agency continued – which means the load is usually not there – As traveling “serious concerns” about its potential spread.

FMD is typically characterized by fever and blems in the mouth and on the feet of the affected livestock, accompanied by lameness. Although few adult animals succumb to illness, young people may die from sudden heart failure.

The virus spreads quickly and can affect a large number of animals, especially in countries or regions that are usually free of the disease or not regularly use vaccination.

Although FMD is not a public health threat, animal health and welfare affect seriously, food security and income by reducing agricultural productivity, including through decreased milk and meat yields.

The economic impact is also significant with global direct production losses and vaccination costs in endemic regions, which are estimated to be $ 21 billion annually. FAO noted that the true financial burden is probably much higher when disturbances in both international and local trade are taken into account.

ONE Larger outbreaks in the UK in 2001 led to the annihilation of more than six million animals and cost the economy billions that destroy the livestock industry and tourism. A number of new measures in response have allegedly reduced the risk and improved resilience, including local and national emergency plans for outbreaks.

Outbreaks and response

The FMD virus was recently detected in parts of Europe that were usually free of the disease, and the continent is now experiencing its worst outbreak since 2001.

Germany Detected an outbreak on last January but has since been declared FMD-free but subsequent outbreaks in Hungary and Slovakia is persistent.

In response Uk Recently announced that it has banned the import of meat or dairy products from European countries where the virus has been discovered, as well as Austria Due to the outbreak of nearby Hungary.

FMD is endemic in the near east, but the recent increase is due to an exotic serotype that is probably introduced from East Africa. Cases in Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait have been reported, although other countries are at high risk.

Many strains of the FMD virus are still circulating in different parts of the world, and the recent outbreaks in both Europe and Near East highlight the ongoing risk that the disease poses to livelihood, food safety and safe trade, FAO said.

To create attention

While all governments are encouraged to be vigilant, the agency said that the high -risk countries affected should consider attention measures among farmers and communities to protect livestock.

Other recommendations include biosecurity measures such as separating sick animals from other livestock and having them examined by professionals along with the control of vaccination registers and verification of FMD preparedness plans.

FAO said that countries by implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risks.