The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC), in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV), is hosting a timely webinar this Friday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, to address growing concerns around the re-emergence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in parts of Europe and Asia.
FMD, a highly contagious foreign animal disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, has recently been detected in Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia—three countries that had maintained FMD-free status for decades. It has also resurfaced in South Korea.
According to Dr. Megan Niederwerder, Executive Director of SHIC, this shift in geographic distribution signals a need for heightened awareness and strengthened biosecurity protocols across North America.
“Germany had been negative for 37 years, Hungary and Slovakia for 52 years,” said Dr. Niederwerder. “As the world becomes increasingly connected, we must consider the risks of illegal trade and contaminated animal products making their way into our systems.”
She emphasized that while humans cannot be infected with the virus, they can act as carriers if the virus contaminates clothing or equipment, highlighting the importance of vigilance around fomites and environmental stability of the virus.
Key Webinar Focus Areas:
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Current global outbreaks and their implications
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Risk pathways for North American incursion
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Virus resilience and contamination risks
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Preventative measures and biosecurity best practices
The webinar aims to provide veterinarians, producers, and industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to help prevent FMD incursion into North America.
Registration is available through:
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American Association of Swine Veterinarians
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Iowa State University Swine Medicine Education Center
Stay alert, stay informed, and strengthen your biosecurity.
