Serbia Enhances Controls Amid Potential Foot-and-Mouth Disease Threat
The country intensifies surveillance as confirmed cases emerge in Europe, despite having no reported infections.
Serbia's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management has announced that no cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been confirmed within its borders.
This declaration follows a response to reported outbreaks of the highly contagious viral infection affecting domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals in several European nations.
The Ministry is implementing a first-level alert protocol and conducting comprehensive surveillance measures across all agricultural sectors.
The last recorded case of foot-and-mouth disease in Serbia dates back to 1996, occurring in the region of Kosovo and Metohija.
Foot-and-mouth disease is characterized as one of the most dangerous infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed livestock.
The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact between animals, as well as via contaminated items, vehicles, food, water, and human contact with infected animals.
There is a potential for mechanical transmission by humans through contaminated hands, clothing, and transportation methods.
The disease can result in significant economic losses and necessitates stringent control measures, as emphasized by the Ministry.
On January 21 of this year, the Ministry issued a directive aimed at preventing the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease, requiring enhanced inspections of animals, animal products, and feed from countries with confirmed cases, as well as mandatory reporting of any suspected cases to veterinary authorities.
Strict biosecurity protocols on farms have been mandated, including disinfection procedures and regulations governing the entry and exit of personnel and vehicles.
In response to the threat, Agriculture Minister Aleksandar Martinović proposed the establishment of an SOS hotline within the Veterinary Administration.
Citizens can call the hotline at 011/311-7100 for information regarding foot-and-mouth disease, preventive measures, and necessary actions in case of suspected infection, all aimed at facilitating timely responses to prevent the disease’s spread.
The Ministry has urged all animal owners, veterinarians, and stakeholders in the livestock sector to exercise maximum responsibility and implement rigorous biosecurity measures to avert potential disease introduction into Serbia.
Livestock owners are advised to diligently monitor the health status of their animals and strictly adhere to all biosecurity protocols.
In cases of symptoms like blisters on the mouth, tongue, hooves, or udder, difficulty in movement, and excessive salivation, it is critical to inform the relevant veterinary inspector or veterinarian immediately.
Veterinary services are obliged to respond promptly and take necessary actions in the event of suspected infection.
The Ministry has underscored that illegal movement of animals into Serbia will be strictly penalized.
Additionally, it has called upon citizens returning from abroad to refrain from bringing animal products from countries where the disease has been confirmed or where restrictive measures are in place to prevent disease spread.
Such food products pose the highest risk for introducing the virus into Serbia, and they will be confiscated by border services.
Customs authorities have intensified inspections of travelers, vehicles, and personal luggage.
The Border Veterinary Inspection, in cooperation with Customs Administration, will implement all prescribed measures according to the directive.
The Ministry, through the veterinary administration, remains in constant communication with relevant authorities in Serbia and Europe to ensure timely execution of preventive measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management continues to monitor the situation and will inform the public of any new developments as they arise.
This declaration follows a response to reported outbreaks of the highly contagious viral infection affecting domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals in several European nations.
The Ministry is implementing a first-level alert protocol and conducting comprehensive surveillance measures across all agricultural sectors.
The last recorded case of foot-and-mouth disease in Serbia dates back to 1996, occurring in the region of Kosovo and Metohija.
Foot-and-mouth disease is characterized as one of the most dangerous infectious diseases for cloven-hoofed livestock.
The disease spreads rapidly through direct contact between animals, as well as via contaminated items, vehicles, food, water, and human contact with infected animals.
There is a potential for mechanical transmission by humans through contaminated hands, clothing, and transportation methods.
The disease can result in significant economic losses and necessitates stringent control measures, as emphasized by the Ministry.
On January 21 of this year, the Ministry issued a directive aimed at preventing the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease, requiring enhanced inspections of animals, animal products, and feed from countries with confirmed cases, as well as mandatory reporting of any suspected cases to veterinary authorities.
Strict biosecurity protocols on farms have been mandated, including disinfection procedures and regulations governing the entry and exit of personnel and vehicles.
In response to the threat, Agriculture Minister Aleksandar Martinović proposed the establishment of an SOS hotline within the Veterinary Administration.
Citizens can call the hotline at 011/311-7100 for information regarding foot-and-mouth disease, preventive measures, and necessary actions in case of suspected infection, all aimed at facilitating timely responses to prevent the disease’s spread.
The Ministry has urged all animal owners, veterinarians, and stakeholders in the livestock sector to exercise maximum responsibility and implement rigorous biosecurity measures to avert potential disease introduction into Serbia.
Livestock owners are advised to diligently monitor the health status of their animals and strictly adhere to all biosecurity protocols.
In cases of symptoms like blisters on the mouth, tongue, hooves, or udder, difficulty in movement, and excessive salivation, it is critical to inform the relevant veterinary inspector or veterinarian immediately.
Veterinary services are obliged to respond promptly and take necessary actions in the event of suspected infection.
The Ministry has underscored that illegal movement of animals into Serbia will be strictly penalized.
Additionally, it has called upon citizens returning from abroad to refrain from bringing animal products from countries where the disease has been confirmed or where restrictive measures are in place to prevent disease spread.
Such food products pose the highest risk for introducing the virus into Serbia, and they will be confiscated by border services.
Customs authorities have intensified inspections of travelers, vehicles, and personal luggage.
The Border Veterinary Inspection, in cooperation with Customs Administration, will implement all prescribed measures according to the directive.
The Ministry, through the veterinary administration, remains in constant communication with relevant authorities in Serbia and Europe to ensure timely execution of preventive measures.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management continues to monitor the situation and will inform the public of any new developments as they arise.
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