Paraguary will launch new campaign to control FMD outbreaks
As of February 1st, Paraguay will start to implement a new method against the foot and mouth disease, in the wake of two outbreaks of the illness hitting the country in less than four months.
The new plan includes intensified vaccination with increased coverage and control, Head of the National Service of Animal Health and Quality (SENACSA), Felix Otazu.
He explained that the new mechanism will cover the entire country, aimed at gradually regaining “national and international credibility,” and winning back the most demanding markets of meat and byproducts (Chile and the European Union).
Paraguay lost the foot and mouth disease free country evaluation trough vaccination last year after an outbreak of the illness was detected in a farm in Sargento Loma, in San Pedro department.
Meanwhile, Uruguay maintains strict control measures at border checkpoints in order to tighten the health barrier system in the wake of several foot and mouth disease cases registered in neighboring Paraguay.
Head of Animal Health Francisco Muzio defined the Uruguayan situation in this regard as “very good if compared to the rest of the region.”
He said that animal health actions include cattle vaccination and clean up of trucks and containers coming from Paraguay, according to the source.