A shepherd and his flock in Mansourieh, in the Metn. (Credit: L'Orient-Le Jour)
The Agriculture Ministry announced Saturday evening that it has confirmed several cases of foot-and-mouth disease on farms across Lebanon, a viral illness that does not spread to humans, and emphasized that it has taken various measures to prevent its spread.
In a statement, the Ministry said it has "set up a crisis unit" following the detection of multiple cases of foot-and-mouth disease in several farms.
"Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats. It is not transmissible to humans and does not affect the quality of milk or meat," the Ministry explained.
"To address this emerging epidemic, following the detection of a new strain in several countries neighboring Lebanon, the Agriculture Ministry has set up a crisis unit tasked with monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities and international organizations," the Ministry said.
This unit will be responsible for "taking the necessary steps to limit the spread of the disease and treat it."
The Ministry's technical teams began, two weeks ago, collecting samples from animals suspected of being sick and vaccinating animals in the vicinity of impacted areas.
"It should be noted that the ministry has already vaccinated the livestock in Lebanon against foot-and-mouth disease. Strains have been detected in the region and continue to appear. All livestock imported via border entry points will be vaccinated before entering Lebanon," the Ministry stated.
"Samples will be sent to reference laboratories accredited by the World Organisation for Animal Health [WOAH] and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] to precisely identify the strains and adapt the vaccination program accordingly," the statement continued.
