Food-and-mouth disease outbreak in Greece confirmed

Greek authorities have confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).

The outbreak consists of nine confirmed cases on a cattle farm in Lesvos, Greece, on 16 March.

This is the first outbreak of the eradicated disease in the country since 18 August 1994.

This case follows a recent outbreak of FMD in cattle in Cyprus confirmed on 20 February.

According to the Irish Department for Agriculture, FMD is one of the most highly contagious diseases of livestock. The virus can affect many species of animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Notably, FMD does not pose a risk to human health or food safety.

Risk

FMD could enter into Ireland in a number of ways, including: the illegal imports of contaminated food products (meat, dairy), the import of infected animals, through contaminated vehicles, equipment, clothing, footwear, and through the air.

The most significant risk of entry to Ireland would be food waste infected by FMD being consumed by FMD susceptible animals.

“There is currently no treatment for FMD.

"Vaccination against FMD is undertaken only some countries where FMDV is endemic. No routine vaccination against FMD is currently taking place in Europe,” the Department said.

Clinical signs of FMD include fluid-filled blisters on the tongue, dental pad, nose and feet of affected animals.

Ireland is currently free from FMD. The Department has said that strict rules are in place to prevent the entry of FMD into Ireland and in other European countries. Stringent measures are activated in the event of an outbreak and control measures are underpinned by European legislation.