Krzysztof Jaszewski told a Ministry of Agriculture management meeting with representatives of agricultural organizations on Wednesday that the risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease into Poland is currently the most serious animal disease threat.
Cows diagnosed with the foot-and-mouth disease virus at a hobby farm near Berlin, 70 kilometers from the Polish border, did not show “textbook” symptoms of the disease, experts said. – These people were first tested for bluetongue disease. Since the results were negative, he was tested for foot-and-mouth disease and the virus was detected, Jazzewski noted.
The chief veterinarian should report any changes in the behavior of artiodactyls, i.e. ruminants (cows, goats, sheep) and pigs, as animals infected with the virus do not necessarily have to show classic symptoms. pointed out that it was necessary to do so.
The threat of foot-and-mouth disease in Poland. How can I protect myself?
Mr. Jazzewski cautioned that FMD is one of the most contagious diseases and can be spread by air over distances of up to about 3 km, so people should be as careful as possible. Biosecurity regulations should include prohibitions on unauthorized persons accessing animals, obtaining hay and bedding only from reliable sources, and removing equipment and tools from the farm. “We must also be especially careful when importing animals. Animals must have complete documentation,” the head of veterinary testing stressed.
In Jaszewski’s opinion, the risk of introducing foot-and-mouth disease from Germany to Poland was limited by restricting the import of cattle from that country. -Fortunately, during the period when the virus could have been present on this farm, i.e. since early December, there were no imports of cattle from Brandenburg due to the restrictions introduced due to bluetongue disease. he said.
He added that there was also an outbreak of bluetongue disease in Poland last year. – This may particularly affect the export of live animals. We are already starting to see this problem, especially with cows. So far, the disease has occurred in West Pomerania and Lower Silesia. Recently, an outbreak was also confirmed in the northwestern region of Warmia-Masuria, Jazzewski said.
Chief veterinarian: Białowieża’s bison were free from foot-and-mouth disease
In response to questions from farmers who reported finding bison carcasses near Białowieża National Park, the Chief Veterinary Officer ruled out any risk that these bison were suffering from foot-and-mouth disease. “There is no doubt that it is not foot-and-mouth disease. The signals from homes should have already arrived,” Jazzewski said.
However, it did not rule out the risk that wild animals could be carriers of bluetongue disease. However, he noted that the midge, the insect that transmits the virus, is currently inactive. – Our knowledge is that the virus can persist in the blood of animals for up to 60-70 days. Animals infected in November should no longer have the virus in March, when midge activity increases, he added.
It’s not just foot-and-mouth disease. Risk of other animal diseases in Poland
In Jaszewski’s opinion, midges living in barns could be a problem. These insects can be active there all year round. – Perhaps disinfection should be carried out in a larger closed barn – he noted.
The chief veterinarian also informed that outbreaks of avian influenza and Newcastle disease have been confirmed in Poland since last year. They were detected in Podlaskie, Greater Poland, Lesser Poland, Lublin, and Masovian Voivodeship. “Basically, there is a threat (of these diseases) throughout Poland,” he said.
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