25/03/2011

Russian veterinary authorities on Monday (21^st March) confirmed an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in cattle, swine and sheep in the country. A total of 117 cases of the disease were identified.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received a report stating that the village of Us’t-Imalka, where the infections occurred, which is close to the Mongolian border in a buffer anti-FMD zone. The zone is protected by a government vaccination programme of cattle, sheep and goats against the FMD serotypes O, A, and Asia-1. Susceptible animals were vaccinated again. Authorities have been unable to confirm a source of the outbreak.

FMD outbreaks in Taiwan and South Africa

On Wednesday the OIE received notification of outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in the Penghu region of Taiwan. 999 pigs were destroyed in the region. Enforced biosecurity measures including movement control, cleaning and disinfection have been implemented in the affected area.

Also on Wednesday, The South African veterinary authorities reported four more outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng regions. A total of 116112 cattle were found susceptible to the disease, out of which 60 cases were identified.

North Korea in urgent need of vaccine and equipment

A joint FAO and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) mission, which travelled to North Korea at the government’s request between 27 February and 8 March, have reported that the country’s detection and vaccination capabilities are in urgent need of strengthening. Outbreaks of Type-O FMD have been reported in eight of North Korea's 13 provinces.

The FAO delegation estimated around $1 million is required immediately for training, supplies and infrastructure, vaccine acquisition and the setting up of monitoring, reporting and response systems to effectively combat the spread of the disease.