AZE.US
Azerbaijan’s veterinary authorities say the epizootic situation regarding foot-and-mouth disease remains stable, even as risks persist in the wider region.
According to official data published by the World Organisation for Animal Health, several countries in the region that includes Azerbaijan continue to face risks linked to foot-and-mouth disease. The Agrarian Services Agency under Azerbaijan’s Agriculture Ministry says there is currently no alarming situation inside the country.
Specialists, however, warn that caution is still needed. Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among animals, and the risk usually grows when livestock movement becomes more intensive.
That is especially relevant ahead of Eid al-Adha, when the movement and sale of animals traditionally increases. The summer pasture season will follow soon after, bringing another wave of livestock movement between regions and grazing areas.
Experts say veterinary monitoring, disinfection and vaccination should remain active during this period. They also stress the need for better public information so farmers and livestock owners understand the risks and follow preventive rules.
The Animal Health and Veterinary Services Center of the Agrarian Services Agency said animals in Azerbaijan are regularly treated against ectoparasites and vaccinated under the national prevention plan.
Officials said the country’s situation remains stable not only with foot-and-mouth disease, but also with other dangerous animal diseases, including anthrax, lumpy skin disease and peste des petits ruminants.
The agency said Azerbaijan prepares an annual anti-epizootic action plan. Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is scheduled twice a year: the first stage is already under way, and the second is expected to continue in the second half of the year.
Veterinary officials also said disinfection measures were carried out last year and this year against one type of the foot-and-mouth disease virus. The message from the authorities is clear: there is no reason for panic, but prevention cannot be treated as a formality.
AZE.US