Foot and Mouth Disease Diagnostics: Requirements for Demonstration of Freedom from Infection

Proposed changes to the International Animal Health Code chapter on foot and mouth disease (FMD) reflect both the introduction of new diagnostic tests to identify animals carrying live FMD virus, and pressure to make more acceptable the use of vaccination to help control outbreaks. It is important that those using the Code fully understand the implications of these changes. One of the proposed changes to the Code is to define the occurrence of FMD virus infection so as to avoid any ambiguity as to when the OIE should be notified. It is also proposed that the Code be changed to reduce to 6 months from 12 months the interval required, following the use of vaccination without slaughter of vaccinated animals, before application can be made to the OIE for restoration of FMD infection free status. As an aid to Member Countries applying to the OIE for FMD free or FMD infection free status, the OIE has produced a ‘Guide to the Establishment or the Regaining of Recognition for a Foot and Mouth Disease Free Zone or Country’.