New outbreaks of FMD serotype A in North Africa - Tunisia

 

After its first detection North Africa in March, in Algeria, Foot Mouth Disease Virus – FMDV serotype A, was also reported in Tunisia, raising concern in the local Authority for the possible spread of the virus in these territories. On 27/04/2017 the local Authority notified 17 cases of FMDV serotype A in Tunisia, in a herd located in province of Bizerte, Hached, Bizerte south (Figure 1). The 22 cattle belonging to the infected herd were all slaughtered and after were analyzed using post-mortem and laboratories investigation The introduction of the disease was probably caused by illegal movements of animals from other countries. In fact, during the outbreak investigation 4 cattle of unknown origin were identified. Following the confirmation of the disease, considering the proximity of Tunisia to Algeria who has already reported some outbreak, the national and regional crisis unit was established, and the surveillance activities and vaccination campaign against serotype A, O e SAT1 were strengthened Ring vaccination was carried out in the herds surrounding the outbreaks. After the first follow-up, on 08/05/2017, two new cases of FDM were notified in a herd located in province of Bizerte, Alia, Bizerte – Tunisia, (Figure 1) thus confirming the concern of the local Authority for the rapid spread of the virus. The 32 cattle belonging to the heard where the outbreak was reported were slaughtered and after were analyzed using post-mortem and laboratories investigation . After the outbreak investigation the Local Autority deduced that the two new cases of FDM resulted from the introduction of animals from the first outbreak in province of Bizerte, Hached, Bizerte south. After the new outbreak, the vaccination campaign was carried out performing the ring vaccination. After the second follow-up in 26/05/2017 no new outbreaks were detected.

 

 
Figure 1. Outbreaks notified of FMDV serotype A in Tunisia

Figure 1. Outbreaks notified of FMDV serotype A in Tunisia