Features of control measures and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease of large horned cattle of meat breeds

Abstract

A large number of breeding heifers and bull-producers of meat breeds were brought to the Russian Federation from different countries of the world. Breeding heifers were imported to individual farms. Extensive and semi-intensive systems of large horned cattle keeping are used more often in the Russian Federation. The extensive system provides for free movement of animals and selection of pasture areas and access to watering and shelter areas. Large number of beef cattle have been imported to the Russian Federation from around the world in recent years. Timely epizootic and clinical diagnostics play a primary role in the system of measures for the control and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease. The existing system of measures for the control and prevention of foot-and-mouth disease in the Russian Federation provides for the prevention of the introduction of the virus, systematic vaccination of ruminants and revaccination of young animals and control of the level of post-vaccination antibodies. The risk of introduction of pathogens in extensive system for beef cattle is significantly higher than in intensive system. The highest risk of introduction of infectious agents exist with wild and domestic cloven-hoofed animals. Contaminated air, water and pastures can be pathway for the introduction of infectious agents into beef herds. According to the OIE Code beef-breed large horned cattle must be subject to daily inspection. All personnel working with beef-breed large horned cattle should have professional training in accordance with their job responsibilities and understand the technology of housing and behavior of animals, as well as biosecurity measures and general symptoms of diseases and signs of deterioration of the physiological state. The main features of large horned cattle breeding, distinguishing it from other areas of productivity, are early maturity and high quality meat. It is believed that professional training in these matters is acquired through specialized training and practical experience in working with beef cattle. Knowing the etiology of diseases and their syndromes is important in identifying potential animal welfare issues.