A dangerous disease near the border with Poland. The expert raises the alarm

On Wednesday, January 15, a meeting of the management of the Ministry of Agriculture with representatives of agricultural organizations was held. The Chief Veterinary Officer used this opportunity to inform farmers about the appearance of foot and mouth disease in Germany. As he noted, this is currently the most serious epizootic threat.

Foot and mouth disease near Poland

The foot-and-mouth disease virus was detected on a “hobby farm” near Berlin. It was emphasized that the cattle did not show “textbook” symptoms of the disease. – These individuals were first tested for bluetongue disease. Because the result was negative, they were tested for foot and mouth disease and the virus was detected, Jażdżewski said.

Based on this example, Jażdżewski asked Polish farmers to be more vigilant. He reminded that infected animals do not always have to show typical symptoms. Any change in the behavior of cloven-hoofed animals: both ruminants (cows, goats, sheep) and pigs should cause concern. Report any suspicious symptoms to your doctor.

The chief veterinarian appeals

The chief veterinarian reminded that foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most transmissible diseases, which can also spread by air over a distance of up to three kilometers.

Jażdżewski talked about the principles of biosecurity, which should include prohibiting unauthorized persons from approaching animals, obtaining hay and bedding only from reliable sources, and keeping equipment and tools on the farm without taking them outside the farm.

“We also need to be especially careful when it comes to bringing in animals. They must have full documentation,” he emphasized. – Fortunately, we did not import cattle from Brandenburg during the period when the virus could have been present on this farm, i.e. from the beginning of December, due to restrictions introduced due to bluetongue disease – emphasized the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Not just foot and mouth disease

It was recalled that last year cases of bluetongue disease were recorded in Poland. – This may affect exports, especially of live animals. We are already starting to have problems with this, especially when it comes to cattle. So far, this disease has occurred in the West Pomeranian and Lower Silesian voivodeships. Recently, we also detected outbreaks in the north-western part of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship – said Jażdżewski.

The chief veterinarian also said that since last year there have been outbreaks of avian influenza and Newcastle disease in Poland. They were detected in the following voivodeships: Podlaskie, Greater Poland, Lesser Poland, Lublin, and Masovian. – Basically, we have a threat throughout the territory of Poland – he said.