VMVT knocked out. Exhibitions with farm animals banned

On Friday, an order of the Director of the State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) banning events with cloven-hoofed farm animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas and llamas) in Lithuania comes into force. This decision by the VMVT comes amid concerns that outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany and Hungary are still ongoing. The ban will remain in place until the situation is assessed as safe.

„Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious, with the greatest risk of spread through animal movements, infected animals, people who have been in contact with the disease, or animal products from dangerous areas. As it is impossible to trace visitors at exhibitions to ensure that they have not been in infected countries and have not been in contact with sick animals, it has been decided to ban events with cloven-hoofed animals as one of the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease. We also remind farmers to take a responsible approach to safety: purchase animals only with veterinary certificates, quarantine animals for 21 days, limit access of unauthorised persons to the farm, ensure biosecurity measures and permanent disinfection," urges Vaidotas Kiudulas, Chief Veterinarian of the Republic of Lithuania.

VMVT warns that a decision has been taken in Lithuania:

• Prohibits all events involving cloven-hoofed farm animals.

• Reiterates to animal transporters: it is mandatory to ensure that vehicles arriving from third countries or other EU Member States are cleaned, washed and disinfected in a responsible manner and that this is documented.

• Farm animal keepers must maintain strict biosecurity measures at all times, monitor the health of their animals and report any signs of disease immediately.

• Vehicle drivers, veterinarians and other persons working with animals must comply with biosecurity requirements.

VMVT specialists will carry out enhanced controls and checks on compliance with the requirements. Regular advice will also be provided to farmers on foot-and-mouth disease prevention.

Farmers and animal keepers are urged to strictly comply with biosecurity measures, to closely monitor the health status of their animals, and to contact veterinary specialists immediately if they suspect disease. For up-to-date information on communicable diseases in animals, visit here.