Venezuelan officials have confirmed an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle on 7 farms in Tumeremo.
Laboratory diagnosis has identified a FMD type A virus as the causative agent. Reportedly, this type A virus along with the type O virus is occasionally detected in Venezuela.
The affected area is under quarantine and control measures have been enacted according to Dr. Katthywana Araque, Epidemiology Chief of SASA (the Autonomous Service for Animal Sanitation). She indicated that the origin of the outbreak may have been associated with a failure in vaccination.
Source: ProMED-Mail, July 2, 2008