Background on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), also known as hoof-and-mouth disease, is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, and pigs. The disease can cause significant economic losses in the agricultural sector due to reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and culling of infected animals. In Mexico, FMD is considered a notable threat to the livestock industry.
Recent FMD Cases in Puebla
In September, Puebla reported six cases of FMD, with the latest case confirmed on September 29 in the community of Villa del Río, located in the municipality of Tlacotepec de Porfirio Díaz. This prompted the state government to establish a sanitary barrier in response to the recent case.
Government Response and Collaboration
The Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) confirmed the implementation of monitoring efforts by six brigades in the Sierra Negra region of Puebla to prevent further spread in the Molcaxac area. These brigades consist of personnel from the Inter-American Institute for Agriculture (IICA), the Mexico-EU Commission for the Prevention of Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Other Exotic Animal Diseases (CPA), the International Regional Organization for Agricultural Health and Quarantine (OIRSA), and the Puebla State Committee for Livestock Promotion and Animal Health.
The brigade members are equipped with specialized medications and equipment, including Negasunt powder (a larvicide and wound healer), Ivermectin 1%, syringes, needles, gloves, and protective gear for personnel.
Additional Measures to Prevent FMD Spread
SADER also initiated a program of zoosanitary movement verification along eight itinerant routes, which have clinical and curative capacities. These routes operate in the northern, negra, and north-eastern sierras, as well as in the municipalities of Cuacnopalan and Molcaxac.
Furthermore, supervision is conducted at 14 state abattoirs regarding the entry and slaughter of animals to prevent FMD spread.
Previous Investments in FMD Prevention
In July, the state government announced a 30-million-peso investment to prevent FMD appearance, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding the livestock industry from this debilitating disease.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)? FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, and pigs. It can lead to economic losses due to reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and culling of infected animals.
- How many FMD cases were reported in Puebla in September? Six cases of FMD were reported in Puebla during September.
- What measures has the Puebla government taken to address FMD cases? The state government established a sanitary barrier, initiated monitoring efforts by brigades from various organizations, and implemented a program of zoosanitary movement verification along itinerant routes. Supervision is also conducted at state abattoirs.
- What investments has the Puebla government made to prevent FMD? The state government invested 30 million pesos in July to prevent the appearance of FMD.
