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FMD vaccination works – lesson from Brazil
Alistair Driver
Routine vaccination of cattle as a safeguard against foot-and-mouth disease
can be cheap, effective and practical, according to a British-born cattle
rancher in Brazil.
Cattle are inoculated twice a year against foot and mouth across Brazil,
says Rodney Hobbs, who has farmed there since 1974. Mr Hobbs who has 12,000
head of cattle at his ranch in the state of Sao Paulo, has watched with
interest as the debate about vaccination has raged in the UK since foot and
mouth struck. He says his own experience shows it can have major benefits
for farmers at little cost if administered properly.
"All stock, whatever their age are vaccinated in May and November with 5 mls
of oil-based vaccine half way down the side of the neck. The vaccine
protects against the three strains we have to control – O A and C" he said
in a letter to the FMD Forum, which opposed the UK Government's decision to
cull animals instead of vaccinating last year.
The process, particularly the purchase of the vaccine, is rigorously
controlled by the Government. Al cattle leaving the ranch must be
accompanied by a certificate showing they were vaccinated during the last
campaign, he said.
As it is in the interests of everyone to vaccinate, these controls are
tightly kept. There is the usual amount of paperwork involved but that is
not a hassle when you look at the other side of the coin. Foot and Mouth is
a sorry sight – and one I am fortunate not to have seen for 20 years," he
said
The process is 'no problem whatsoever' for the foreman plus another three
hands who vaccinate the ranch. "It is very simple. The vaccine is kept in
the farm fridge and transported to the yards when needed. If we set our
minds to it, we can vaccinate up to 1,700 animals in a day. The programme
blends in with our calving period, which is fom September to November. So
what's all the fuss about?" he said.
Brazil suffered a serious foot and mouth outbreak in the state of Rio Grande
do Sol in August 2000. The state, which borders on Argentina and Uruguay
which have their own foot and mouth problems is home to 13m of Brazil's 167
m cattle. The region has not had an outbreak for nearly 100 years and the
disease struck after routine vaccination had been suspended there, according
to reports. It was not until the virus reared its head again in May 2001
that the Rio Grande do Sol authorities decided on a mass vaccination
programme. The last outbreak was reported in July 2001.
The rest of the country, which had continued with routine vaccination
remained clear of foot and mouth. Mr Hobbs said he is convinced the policy
works and has no detrimental effects on animals' health. "I have not seen a
case for many years, which indicates it is totally effective," he told FG.
In terms of international trade, Mr Hobbs' part of Brazil is classified as
"foot and mouth free with vaccination." He says this does not prevent it
from exporting.
A spokesman from the FMD Forum said they hoped Mr Hobbs' comments would help
dispel myths about the downsides of vaccination "This shows vaccination is a
success story. Wr've heard it from the scientists. We've heard it from the
vets on the ground. Now here it is from someone at the sharp end who
actually carries it out."
The Royal Society Inquiry into foot and mouth, which is due to report in
July, is considering the role of vaccination in controlling foot and mouth
disease in the future. An Inquiry spokesman said it is looking at the merits
of prophylactic vaccination as well as emergency vaccination. "Both types
are being considered but there are various difficulties associated with
vaccination," he said.