FMD pocket guide available for pork producers

porkNetwork - FMD pocket guide available for pork producers - Diseases

A new foot-and-mouth disease educational pocket guide is now available to U.S. swine veterinarians and pork producers. The laminated flipchart contains photos illustrating lesions associated with FMD in domestic and feral swine.

This pocket guide, developed through a cooperative agreement funded by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, is a collaborative effort of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Iowa State University’s Center for Food Security and Public Health, National Pork Board and USDA-APHIS.

Symptoms seen with food-and-mouth disease are vesicles, or blisters, on the snout or on the feet. Excessive salivating and lameness also are commonly seen. Feed intake is often reduced because of painful tongue and mouth lesions.

Awareness of FMD among livestock producers and veterinarians is critical. Fortunately, the U.S. pork industry has been building its FMD crisis plan for nearly 15 years. “Overall, the nation’s preparedness is very good,” says Corrie Brown, DVM, University of Georgia. “Federal funding has assisted many states to conduct test exercises, which has really improved our overall readiness.”

Veterinarians have a heightened awareness of what FMD looks like, which would allow for a rapid response. “However, there may be room for improvement at the producer level,” Brown adds. “Producer education courses and on-going FMD awareness training for people who have contact with animals every day would certainly help in our preparedness.”

FMD is highly contagious and infects cloven-hoofed animals including pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer and bison. While FMD vaccines are available, successful protection requires that the vaccine be specific to the virus strain that an animal encounters.

The guide is now available for $15 from Iowa State’s Center for Food Security and Public Health. Quantity pricing is available when ordering 5 copies or more.

You may order online.

Source: AASV and http://www.porknetwork.com/