Suspected foot-and-mouth disease in Boazichi village: farm closed, quarantine measures intensified

In Boazichi village, a livestock farm reported a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease. Following the initial signs of a possible outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources promptly activated the emergency protocol. The area around the farm is temporarily closed: entry and exit are strictly controlled, and movement of outsiders is restricted.

Joint teams from the police, municipalities, Civil Defense, and the Veterinary Department are working on site. Specialists are taking samples for analysis, inspecting animals, checking neighboring farms, and setting up disinfection barriers at farm entrances. Veterinary services are preparing a vaccination plan and informing animal owners about necessary biosecurity measures.

Authorities emphasize that the goal of the restrictions is to prevent the spread of the potential infection beyond the outbreak area. Residents and farmers are urged to comply with temporary restrictions, not attempt to bypass checkpoints, and report any suspicious symptoms in livestock to veterinary services.

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs). It is characterized by fever, painful blisters and ulcers in the mouth, on the hooves, and udder, leading to a sharp drop in productivity and potentially causing serious economic losses in livestock farming. The virus can spread not only through direct contact between animals but also via transport, footwear, clothing, feed, and equipment, so any outbreak requires strict quarantine.

For humans, foot-and-mouth disease generally does not pose a serious threat: human infection is extremely rare and usually mild. However, humans can act as mechanical carriers of the virus, moving it between farms, which is why strict measures are primarily needed to protect the livestock sector.

Veterinary services continue to monitor the situation in Boazichi, and laboratory results are expected. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the quarantine regime will be specified and expanded, with additional information provided to the public.