Menu
11/06/2004
Europe 'almost free' of foot-and-mouth disease
Europe is almost free of foot-and-mouth disease after a long history of devastating epidemics, but the continent’s livestock industry should remain vigilant against possible future outbreaks, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the FAO said that 31 of the Commission’s 33 Member States are free of foot-and-mouth disease – the virus remains endemic only in Turkey and Israel.
The last major outbreak in Europe occurred in 2001, when four million animals in the UK had to be slaughtered to control the disease’s spread. Animals in Ireland, France and the Netherlands were also affected. That outbreak is estimated to have cost more than £7 billion in losses to agriculture and tourism.
Experts warn that there is still a high risk of the virus being re-introduced to Europe from regions where it remains prevalent – such as East and Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They have called on European nations to maintain their support to these areas so that the virus does not return to the continent.
Foot-and-mouth disease, which can strike cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, buffaloes and deer, can be transmitted through the movement of animals, animal products or meat. The disease leads to painful ulcerous areas in the mouths and feet of animals.
(gmcg)
Marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, the FAO said that 31 of the Commission’s 33 Member States are free of foot-and-mouth disease – the virus remains endemic only in Turkey and Israel.
The last major outbreak in Europe occurred in 2001, when four million animals in the UK had to be slaughtered to control the disease’s spread. Animals in Ireland, France and the Netherlands were also affected. That outbreak is estimated to have cost more than £7 billion in losses to agriculture and tourism.
Experts warn that there is still a high risk of the virus being re-introduced to Europe from regions where it remains prevalent – such as East and Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They have called on European nations to maintain their support to these areas so that the virus does not return to the continent.
Foot-and-mouth disease, which can strike cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, buffaloes and deer, can be transmitted through the movement of animals, animal products or meat. The disease leads to painful ulcerous areas in the mouths and feet of animals.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 May 2004
UK signs agreement to tackle animal disease outbreaks
The UK has last night signed an agreement with the Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand to tackle animal disease outbreaks.
UK signs agreement to tackle animal disease outbreaks
The UK has last night signed an agreement with the Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand to tackle animal disease outbreaks.
14 September 2007
FMD Restrictions Eased Outside England
Restrictions on the movement of animals following the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in England have been eased in Scotland and Wales. The restrictions have been eased in order to allow farmers to transport livestock for slaughter, but they still remain unable to move animals for any other reasons.
FMD Restrictions Eased Outside England
Restrictions on the movement of animals following the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in England have been eased in Scotland and Wales. The restrictions have been eased in order to allow farmers to transport livestock for slaughter, but they still remain unable to move animals for any other reasons.
20 October 2009
National Liver Strategy Announced
The Department of Health has announced plans to recruit a new National Clinical Director to lead the development of a National Strategy for tackling liver disease. Liver disease is the fifth most common cause of death in England.
National Liver Strategy Announced
The Department of Health has announced plans to recruit a new National Clinical Director to lead the development of a National Strategy for tackling liver disease. Liver disease is the fifth most common cause of death in England.
14 March 2011
More Help To Fight Heart Disease And Stroke
A new tool to help the NHS better treat cardiovascular disease in every area of the country was launched by the Department of Health today. The online tool, compiled by the South East Public Health Observatory, allows for comparisons across the country in a bid to drive up standards and better target resources.
More Help To Fight Heart Disease And Stroke
A new tool to help the NHS better treat cardiovascular disease in every area of the country was launched by the Department of Health today. The online tool, compiled by the South East Public Health Observatory, allows for comparisons across the country in a bid to drive up standards and better target resources.
22 June 2010
Cut Saturated Fat Levels Says NICE
Tens of thousands of lives could be saved, and millions of people spared the suffering of living with the effects of heart disease and stroke, simply by producing healthier food says new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance today.
Cut Saturated Fat Levels Says NICE
Tens of thousands of lives could be saved, and millions of people spared the suffering of living with the effects of heart disease and stroke, simply by producing healthier food says new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
