Foot and Mouth Disease

Question 1

The preferred tissue for diagnosis (FMD)

Answer 1

is epithelium from

unruptured or freshly ruptured vesicles.

Question 2

Where this is not possible:

Answer 2

saliva and blood and/or
oesophageal-pharyngeal fluid samples taken by
probang cup in ruminants or throat swabs from
swine provide an alternative source of virus.
Myocardial tissue or blood can be submitted from
fatal cases, but vesicles are again preferable if
present. It is vital that samples from suspected cases
be transported under secure special conditions and
according to international regulations. They should
only be dispatched to authorized laboratories.

Question 3

The official maximum incubation period for

FMD

Answer 3

14 days

Question 4

Samples:(FMD)

Answer 4

 1g of tissue from an unruptured or recently ruptured
vesicle. Epithelium samples should be placed in a
transport medium which maintains a pH of 7.2-7.4.
Samples should be kept at 4 oC.
 Oesophageal-pharyngeal fluid collected by means of
a probang cup (a special device for
collecting cells from the walls
of the upper part of the oesophageus).

Question 5

MEASURES IN CASE OF

CONFIRMATION OF AN OUTBREAK:FMD

Answer 5

 all animals of susceptible species on the
holding are killed on the spot
 other animals present may be killed
 samples and epidemiological inquiry
 carcasses are processed without delay

Question 6

PROTECTION ZONE:FMD

Answer 6

 a minimum radius of 3 km
 national and local disease control centres
 tracing of all susceptible animals and animal
products
 registration of all holdings and establishment:
regular veterinary inspections
 animals of susceptible species must remain on
the holding except where they are emergency
slaughtered in a slaughterhouse outside the
protection zone

Question 7

VACCINATION:FMD

Answer 7

 trade in vaccinated animals is prohibited
 vaccinated animals from tested herds
may be moved within the Member State
 a system of traceability ensures that they
are excluded from Community trade

Question 8

RECOVERY OF FMD-FREE AND

INFECTION-FREE STATUS:

Answer 8

If no vaccination has been used:
 the control and eradication measures laid
down for the protection and surveillance
zones have been effective and may be
lifted and
 at least three months have elapsed after
the last recorded outbreak

Question 9

If vaccination has been used:FMD

Answer 9

 the control and eradication measures laid down
for the protection and surveillance zones have
been effective and may be lifted and
 at least three months have elapsed since the
slaughter of the last vaccinated animal and
serological surveillance has been carried out; or
 at least six months have elapsed since the last
outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease or the
completion of emergency vaccination