Mozambique Vaccinates Cattle Against FMD
MOZAMBIQUE - Dr Américo Da Conceicao, who works for Mozambique's veterinary authorities, has vaccinated cattle to prevent further outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) from ocuring.
2 March 2017
2 minute read
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the first FMD outbreak took place on 30 September 2016 and was confirmed on 14 October in the regions of Gaza and Maputo after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation tests were carried out at Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI (South Africa) on 16 November 2016.
Both tests were positive and confirmed the presence of the FMD virus in the regions.
From an epidemiological point of view, the source or origin of the outbreaks started with the illegal movement of animals.
According to the OIE, Maputo and Gaza provinces, in general, are facing a very severe drought and hence, an uncontrolled movement of cattle. Wild animals looking for grazing and water are being seen in main water bodies.
The OIE has applied several measures in response to the outbreaks, some of them including:
- Movement control inside the country,
- Disinfection / disinfestation,
- Traceability,
- Quarantine,
- Surveillance within containment and/or protection zone.
None of the affected animals have received treatment. Also, apart from the above-mentioned, no other measures have been applied.
However, in the administrative divisions of Gaza and Maputo, cattle numbering a total of 2518 and 12121, respectively, received Aftovax SAT 1 and 2 vaccinations to control the spread of the FMD virus.
While no further outbreaks have been reported since 27 February, the OIE is not yet able to confirm that the outbreak has been stopped and as a result, further follow-up reports are expected.
TheCattleSite News Desk
