WILLEMSTAD.- Due to 2 outbreaks recently (29/9/2018 and 10/10/2018) of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Colombia, which is why the country lost its status of being free of FMD, precautionary measures were activated in different department within the Department of Veterinary Affairs of the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature. This means that, for now, all importation of meat from Colombia is suspended.
The Government at the same time urges passengers traveling from Colombia to our country, not to bring any product of animal origin in order to avoid putting the health of our animals in danger. FA is a highly contagious disease that is endemic in many countries around the world and that affects animals such as cows, pigs, rams and goats.
The symptoms consist of the appearance of abscesses in the legs, mouths and chest of the animals, hypersalivation, loss of appetite and milk production and even death in affected young animals. The economic impact is therefore very large (England 2001, 14 trillion dollars), therefore, many countries fight this disease rigorously with or without vaccination. The transmission takes place through direct or indirect contact (via cio, body fluids, artifacts, ravines) with the affected animals. The meat of these animals is also contagious.
For humans, the disease poses no danger to health. If the breeders of animals have any concern or wish to obtain any information about this FA disease, they can call 461 4000 or send an e-mail to info.uovz@gobierno.com.
