FMD: Taiwan to Vaccinate all Hogs and Disease Confirmed in Ecuador

August 5, 2009 — 

Taiwan officials have decided to vaccinate all hogs 12 - 14 weeks of age against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in response to continued spread of the virus following an outbreak in February 2009.

Taiwan's last reported outbreak of FMD was in 1997. The country was recognized in May 2004 by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as FMD-free with vaccination. In an effort to regain complete FMD-free status, vaccination was discontinued in 2005.

Seven herds have been diagnosed since the most recent outbreak began in February.

The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock in Ecuador has confirmed that 74 cases of FMD have been reported in cattle in Ecuador since the disease reemerged along the border with Colombia earlier this year. Ecuador is planning to vaccinate 4 million head of cattle in an effort to control the disease but admits it hasn't had a coordinated policy to confront the problem.

Source: ProMED-mail