The veterinary authorities in the Tunisian border city of Medenine, announced a state of high alert, after receiving information indicating the presence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in some areas in Libya.
Although no cases of FMD were recorded in Tunisia, the veterinary authorities called for vaccinating livestock and tightening control at the borders with Libya. The measures aim to protect herds of livestock and provide the necessary guidance to breeders, Tunisian media reported on Saturday.
In February, the Director of the National Center for Animal Health in Libya, Abdulrahman Ajbil confirmed that Libyan livestock were free of FMD.
He added that laboratory analyses, and clinical symptoms of animals in several Libyan cities have proven that the meat and milk of the Libyan herds were safe from the disease.
Ajbil pointed out that cases that were recorded belonged to animals imported from abroad.
Libya imported nearly 27,000 herds in 2022, according to data from the Ports Authority.
According to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. It is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) that deeply affects the production of livestock, and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products.
The disease is estimated to circulate in 77% of the global livestock population in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. As well as in a limited area of South America.
Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) voiced its concern about the rise in measles cases in Libya, especially in the south and west of the country.
In its latest report, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) reported that 93 of 391 suspected measles cases had been confirmed, with no related deaths.
It added that the most affected areas were Althanawia, Almashroa’, Hay Abdel kafy, Altaury, and Altadamon in the Sebha municipality, and Tenenei in the Bani Walid municipality.
Elizabeth Hoff, WHO Representative to Libya, said that “the re-emergence of sporadic outbreaks is a worrying sign of a heightened risk for spreading vaccine-preventable diseases, that could place children’s health at significant risk.”