Recent reports from confederate Europe are worrying. Minister Czesław Siekierski warns against the increasing threat of foot-and-mouth disease, a illness that may pose a serious threat to livestock. Although it has not yet reached Poland, the situation in Slovakia and Hungary is increasingly worrying.
The Ministry of Agriculture and agrarian improvement examines the latest information from neighbouring countries. 5 outbreaks of foot-and-mouth illness have already been detected in Slovakia, which forced the authorities to introduce an emergency situation. The situation in Slovakia is critical, due to problems with the disposal of infected animals and closure of access roads to municipalities where outbreaks occur. Hungary has besides reported fresh cases of FMDV infection (Foot-and-Mouth illness Virus).
Minister Czesław Siekierski calls for vigilance and informs that Poland is taking all step to prevent the illness from entering our country. The border for the transport of animals has been closed and the European Commission is to decide on this. foot-and-mouth illness is simply a highly contagious viral illness of cloven-hoofed animals, specified as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats or deer. It is caused by the FMDV virus, which spreads rapidly and leads to immense losses in the breeding.
Cattle, pigs, sheep and goats are the most susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease. The illness is caused by a virus of the genus Aphtovirus, belonging to the household Picornaviridae. There are 7 of his serotypes. The most common symptoms of foot-and-mouth illness in animals are:
* fever
* oedema
* pain
* difficulty in moving
The illness moves rapidly – not only through direct contact between animals, but besides through humans, equipment, transport and feed. Importantly, the illness besides attacks chaotic animals. Fortunately, foot-and-mouth illness is not dangerous to humans – infection in humans is highly uncommon and usually mild. However, its economical effects can be disastrous.
Should foot-and-mouth illness be detected in Poland, it would be essential to immediately kill the infected herds, close quarantine and block exports of meat and milk products. For farmers and the full livestock sector, this would mean tremendous financial losses. In view of the expanding threat, Minister Siekierski warns farmers against buying animals at low prices, especially from uncertain sources. Don't take advantage of the alleged price opportunities," the minister says. Suspected inexpensive animals may come from areas covered by foot-and-mouth disease, and their acquisition carries a hazard of introduction to Poland.
Poland has been recognised by the planet Organisation for Animal wellness as a country free from foot-and-mouth illness since 1971. However, as the situation with our neighbours shows, the threat inactive exists. The Ministry of Agriculture has already taken preventive action. Border control has been increased, animal wellness has been monitored and cooperation with the European Commission. presently Poland has not reported any cases of foot-and-mouth disease, but the situation may change.
In 2001, an outbreak of this illness in the UK resulted in more than 6 million animals and £1 billion losses. Therefore, it is essential to respond rapidly and comply with safety rules in breeding. It is worth adding that if foot-and-mouth illness is detected, fast and effective action will be essential to prevent the spread of the disease. Vaccination may besides be introduced in animals, which can aid prevent disease.
In addition, it is crucial that farmers and farmers be aware of the hazard of foot-and-mouth illness and take preventive measures, specified as disinfection of premises and equipment, and animal wellness control. It is besides worth mentioning that foot-and-mouth illness can besides be carried by vectors specified as mosquitoes and fleas, which can further increase the hazard of spreading the disease.
To facilitate knowing of foot-and-mouth illness and its effects, we present the following table:
| Symptoms of foot-and-mouth illness | Description |
| ————————- | ——- |
| Fever
Thromboembolism
| Pain | Animal experience of pain |
| Difficulty in moving | The animal has difficulty in moving |
It is besides worth noting that foot-and-mouth illness can besides be transmitted by people who are in contact with infected animals. It is so crucial that people besides be aware of the threat of foot-and-mouth illness and take preventive measures, specified as hand and clothing disinfection, and animal wellness control.
For more information on foot-and-mouth illness and prevention, we urge visiting the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and agrarian improvement or the planet Organisation for Animal Health.
More here:
Foot-and-mouth disease: Threat to Farmed Animals in Europe
