Summary
The
response of Japan to the introduction of exotic animal diseases
is used as an example of methods used to control these diseases.
Japan had been free from the major animal exotic diseases for many
years until outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) occurred in
2000, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in 2004 and bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was detected in 2001. In spring
2000, four outbreaks of FMD were recorded. In early 2004, four outbreaks
of HPAI were recorded. Without resorting to vaccination, both diseases
were eradicated in several months through depopulation of infected
farms, movement controls, surveillance and other measures. The first
case of BSE was detected in September 2001. Since then, 23 additional
cases were detected by the end of March 2006, despite a strict ban
on the use of meat-and-bone meal for feed and other eradication
measures. The authors describe how these diseases occurred or were
detected in Japan and discuss how Japan responded to them. Details
are given on how they were introduced into Japan, the impact on
Japanese farming and society and the lessons learned.
Keywords
Animal
diseases, Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Contingency plans, Economic
impact, Emergency response, Eradication, Foot and mouth disease,
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, Japan. |