Vaccination

 

Currently, there are FMD killed virus vaccines available.  However, this vaccine is only affective if the vaccine matches up with the correct FMD virus type and subtype – there are no universal FMD vaccines at this time.  Strategically, vaccination may be used in an emergency situation to help localize an outbreak, especially if the preferred policy of stamping out is not quickly containing the disease.

 

There are three classifications of disease prevalence: free without vaccination, free with vaccination, and endemic.  Free without vaccination means that the country is free of disease with out utilizing vaccine. Both Chile and the U.S. are currently classified as free without vaccination.  Free with vaccination means that the country is free of the disease by using vaccination.  Endemic means that the country has the disease.  The importance of the classification determines the country’s capability of exporting animals, animal products, and all trade goods to all markets.  For example, countries classified as free with vaccination or endemic lose their ability to trade their products as trade sanctions are placed upon them.  Economically speaking, this is a classification that countries do not want to earn!