FMD outbreak: worldwide concern (update)
The report of several Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases in the UK has caused other countries throughout Europe and the rest of the world to remain vigilant.
Countries around the world have banned imports from Great Britain. Japan, South Korea and Russia have banned pork and pig imports. In addition, New Zealand and Australia increased surveillance at international airports.
The European Union prohibited export of all livestock and dairy products from all of the UK, except for Northern Ireland. Only products manufactured prior to July 15th, can be exported.
Transport ban
In the Netherlands, a transport ban was installed last Saturday and about 150 farms that were involved in animal transports with the UK will be inspected by inspection teams and vets.
About 380 transports including cattle, pigs, sheep and goat had been taking place between the countries. So far no FMD outbreaks were reported in the Netherlands.
France and Spain also implemented transport bans. Belgium did not, but so far no cases of FMD have been reported here.
No fear in Germany
In Germany, an outbreak is not feared yet – as no recently imported animals from the UK have tested positive up until now. No transport bans were implemented here, as not many live animals are transported through the country.
A so called ‘Task Force Animal Diseases’ checked several animals, including sheep, a cow and two zoo animals.
Related news items:
• FMD likely caused by human mistake (8 August 2007)
• UK: ban on pig transports after two FMD reports (7 August 2007)
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