The outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and swine vesicular disease in Malta

Abstract

The three islands comprising Malta have a total land area of about 316 KM² and a population of 300,000. The livestock population comprises 80 000 cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that are susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease. Of these, about 50 000 are pigs. The 1975 outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease was the first in nearly thirty years, and there was no record of swine vesicular disease; however, both diseases had occurred on many occasions in neighboring countries bordering the Mediterranean. The relative freedom from disease enjoyed by Malta was largely attributable to the strict preventive measures enforced because of the high density of both human and animal populations. Meat imports from countries where foot-and-mouth disease was endemic were prohibited. In case meat, fodder and feed were being imported from a country which had an outbreak of the disease, imports were suspended until at least two months after the end of the last known outbreak. Any live susceptible animals that were imported were appropriately quarantined. But one preventive measure that was not effectively practiced was the control, destruction or prohibition of entry of swill at the sea ports and airport. However, because of the continuing risk of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Malta, basic planning against such an eventuality was undertaken. This included periodic discussions between the Senior Government Veterinary Surgeon in Malta and FAO Headquarters staff, as well as guidance from the latter. Nevertheless, when the outbreak did occur, many of the arrangements had to be made on an ad hoc basis. Fortunately, since Malta's internal and external communications are very good, it was possible to make the eradication plans very quickly.