Culling versus vaccination: challenging a dogma in veterinary (FMD) science

Outbreaks of FMD can either be controlled by stamping-out or (circle) culling, or by (ring-) vaccination around the outbreak area, or by a combination of the two methods. The pros and cons of the two methods are discussed. A major draw-back – next to many other disadvantages of the massive circle culling is its contribution to spreading disease. We challenge the dogma that “vaccination against FMD will prevent the symptoms but will not eradicate the disease”. Where outbreaks were controlled by consistent vaccination with a qualified vaccine the disease did not re-occur. Also, there are no documented cases where cattle vaccinated with a qualified vaccine, caused new outbreaks. Therefore, the risks posed by vaccinated carriers must be an acceptable, “close to zero” risk. Certainly, if used in combination with an anti-NSP test, vaccination should become the major tool in controlling outbreaks of FMD, without additional negative consequences for export trade.