# 5365
A disturbing report from the Viet Nam News today on the steady increase in bird flu, foot and mouth disease (FMD), and blue ear syndrome (PRRSV in swine) across the country.
Blaming a lack of vaccines, officials say these diseases are becoming pervasive nationwide. Additionally, local authorities have supposedly failed to report outbreaks to the public.
FMD and PRRVS, unlike bird flu, are not believed to pose a significant direct threat to human health. The FAO gives this advice on the control of FMD.
Control/Vaccine
To eradicate the disease a stamping out policy can be applied. This involves quarantine, movement restrictions and slaughter and disposal of all affected an in-contact livestock on affected premises followed by cleaning and disinfection.
Inactivated vaccines have been successfully used in many parts of the world. Although protected against disease, vaccinated animals are not totally resistant and can still become infected and shed virus. Resistance falls fairly quickly, so animals must be revaccinated at regular intervals (4-6 months) to maintain immunity.
While not without risk, Vietnamese officials concerned over rising food prices and growing food insecurity, are reportedly looking for ways for consumers to safely process and consume the meat from FMD infected animals.
This from Viet Nam News.
Ministry warns of increasing disease threat
Updated March, 10 2011 10:21:12
HA NOI — Foot-and-mouth disease, bird flu and blue-ear syndrome are becoming more pervasive nationwide, says director of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Animal Health Department Hoang Van Nam.
The country did not have enough vaccines to properly combat poultry and cattle diseases and local authorities intentionally have not reported what was actually happening to the public despite the outbreak of the diseases, Nam said.
<SNIP>
"It is not necessary to slaughter all the cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease; we can eat their meat if it is cooked properly," said agriculture minister Cao Duc Phat.
"We need to instruct people how to hygienically slaughter cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease," he said.
FMD is endemic in many parts of the world (Africa, Asia, South America, some parts of Europe), but has been eradicated in many others.
The last outbreak of FMD in the United States was in 1929 – but vigilance is maintained to prevent its return.
(current outbreaks FMD – Source OIE)
