Implications of an FMD Outbreak

There are two important implications that are important when discussing an FMD outbreak: political and economical.

Political:

Due to the potentially large economic impact of an FMD outbreak, sometimes a confirmed case of FMD is not immediately reported while the government tries to eliminate the case. However, this initial move is usually self - defeating as the actual interactions of the diseased animal is not known.  Therefore, this minor mistake turns into a major catastrophe as a full - blown epidemic is created.  Meanwhile, certain prevention measures that could have been initiated in other countries as a result of communication are delayed. Consequently, this leads to tension between countries resulting in political complications and economic sanctions.  Argentina recently did similar actions.   Importation into Chile is from Argentina where there have been rumors of an outbreak for many months, but SAG did not raise the state to Alert Status until recently when Argentina officially declared an FMD outbreak (March 13, 2001). Politics played a large role in this delayed acknowledgement and communication by Argentina.

Economical:

International trade of all products is halted from countries that have an FMD outbreak, which has severe economic implications to all industries. International trade restrictions would be implemented in Chile if a FMD outbreak were to occur.  For example, if Chile had an FMD outbreak, the fruit industry, which plays a vital role in the Chilean economy, as it is the number two export, would suffer in such a crisis.  Another potential economic crisis would result from the use of vaccinations.  The efforts by veterinarians, animal health technicians, producers, and others involved in the livestock industry would have to be compensated as well.