The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has urged livestock owners to strengthen biosecurity measures in light of the threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) spread. Concern arose after a recent case of this dangerous viral disease was reported in a neighboring country. FMD has not been registered in Ukraine since 1988, but the regional situation requires increased attention.
Symptoms of FMD and Threats to Animals:
FMD is an extremely contagious disease affecting domestic cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffaloes. The disease causes significant economic losses in livestock farming due to high mortality among young animals, reduced milk production, and decreased livestock productivity.
Key clinical signs of FMD include:
- Formation of ulcers and vesicles (blisters) in the oral cavity, on udders, and on limbs;
- Excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing;
- Lameness due to hoof damage;
- Reduced milk production;
- General health deterioration and fever.
What to Do in Case of Suspicion:
If signs of the disease are detected, livestock owners should immediately report to their local State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection office. Prompt response and strict adherence to FMD prevention and eradication instructions will help prevent the spread of the disease.
Preventive Measures:
Experts emphasize the importance of complying with the Instruction on the Prevention and Eradication of Animal Foot-and-Mouth Disease, approved by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy’s order No. 431 dated August 7, 2017.
Key measures include:
- Monitoring animal health and conducting regular veterinary examinations;
- Restricting contact with animals from other farms and wild cloven-hoofed animals;
- Mandatory disinfection of vehicles, equipment, and workers’ clothing on farms;
- Ensuring safe feeding conditions by banning the use of potentially contaminated feed.
More details about the disease and safety measures can be found in a joint infographic by the State Service of Ukraine and the European project EU4SaferFood.
The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection continues to monitor the epizootic situation and urges livestock owners to act responsibly in matters of biosecurity.
Press Service of the Association of Milk Producers
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