Media

Suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Publication date 21.5.2003 12.36
Press release -

On Tuesday, 20 May 2003 a municipal veterinarian found a young bovine with symptoms which might indicate foot-and-mouth disease. The veterinarian was carrying out a regular farm visit. The animal was feverish and it had vesicles in its mouth. The examination of the other animals showed that they had no symptoms. The veterinarian notified the matter to the Provincial Veterinary Officer, who imposed restrictive orders on the farm. This means, for example, that no animals may be taken away from the farm.

On the same day samples were taken from the sick animal and other animals of the farm. The samples have been sent to Denmark for examination. The results should be ready within one week. Until then, the restrictive orders remain in force.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry considers it very unlikely that the animal has foot-and-mouth disease, but it is necessary to take the immediate and sufficient precautions to contain even the slightest risk.

The foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals (e.g. bovine, bison, pig, sheep, goat, deer). It is caused by a virus, and it is readily contagious. It does not cause a disease in humans, but it is one of the most feared animal diseases. Should an epidemic occur in Finland, it would cause enormous losses to cattle and pig husbandry and the whole food sector. It would also constitute a serious obstacle to the international trade in products derived from animals and live animals.

Further information:

Mr Matti Aho, Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358-(09) 160 53380

Ms Jessica Eriksson, Senior Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358-(09)-160 53437, 050-553 9212

> More information on foot-and-mouth disease