Control Measures

 

    There are various strategies utilized to control FMD outbreaks.  Chile implements a “stamping out” policy.  This entails the slaughter of any infected animal(s) or any animal(s) associated with infected animals.  The animals are then burned or buried after slaughter is completed.  It is important to point out that slaughtering the animals within 24 hours of diagnosis with FMD is critical to prevent further spread.  Vaccination is used only as a last resort, especially if the stamping out policy is not keeping up with the outbreak.  Following an outbreak, all vaccinated animals are immediately destroyed as well. Likewise, the U.S. would utilize the stamping out policy to gain immediate control of a potential outbreak and therefore, both countries are similar in their control efforts.  The stamping out policy has been one of the many tools that both countries have decided to initially utilize to help maintain their FMD free status in the event of an FMD outbreak.

 

 SAG describes FMD status within the country by one of three terms:

1.   Normal

SAG reinforces surveillance efforts in the Highland Regions IV through IX and in the northern part of the country that encompasses high-risk areas for introduction of FMD.  Trucks entering and exiting auction sites are required to drive through disinfectant solution.

 

 

 

After animals are unloaded, the bedding is disposed of and the entire vehicle is disinfected.

 

 

 

All animals must walk through a disinfecting footbath prior to entering holding pens. 

 

 

Upon arrival most food products and any trash from passenger airplanes and boats are incinerated immediately.  However, some food products are utilized by local farmers for livestock feed, but before it is used the food is heated or autoclaved to kill the bacteria that causes disease, like the FMD virus.  Finally, the food or swill is tested before used as a biosecurity measure.  

 

  

2.   Alert  

High-risk areas are fortified with more aggressive control measures.  The buffer zone is extended to the west.  Border patrol officers require all vehicles to drive through disinfecting solution (calcium carbonate).  As of March 12, 2001, Chile’s FMD status has been upgraded to alert due to the recent confirmation of FMD in Argentina.  Any sectoral veterinarian suspecting an FMD positive herd reports it up through a hierarchy of government officials to the central SAG office, that then implements the stamping out protocol.

 

3.   Emergency

    FMD is present in the country and eradication protocols are enacted.  Sectoral and regional veterinarians suspecting FMD positive herds can implement stamping out of herds.  

 

 

    During an outbreak, the location of the actual outbreak is referred to as the foci.  In the foci, animals displaying clinical signs and those animals contacting or potentially contacting infected animals are slaughtered (i.e. “stamped out”).  The area immediately surrounding the foci is termed the peri-foci or infection area. Officials attempt to contain the spread of FMD utilizing natural barriers within this area.  No movement of animals is permitted within this area.  The area immediately surrounding the peri-foci is termed the surveillance zone or security area.  The area immediately surrounding the surveillance zone is considered free of FMD.  Once the stamping out process is complete, animals are burned or buried, and sentinel pigs are placed on that location to detect any virus persistent in the environment. The livestock owners are compensated for any livestock sacrificed, but this is less than market price.