DATE=03/20/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=F-A-O / HOOF AND MOUTH (L-O)

NUMBER=2-273936

BYLINE=SABINA CASTELFRANCO

DATELINE=ROME

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The U-N Food and Agriculture Organization says no country is immune from hoof-and-mouth disease. The F-A-O European Commission for the control of the disease plans to discuss the current outbreak and advise countries at a meeting later this week in Rome. Sabina Castelfranco has this preview.

TEXT: The F-A-O considers hoof-and-mouth disease a global threat. The rapid spread of the disease, according to the U-N agency, shows the ability of the virus to infiltrate a wide geographic area and to cause epidemics in countries that have been free from it for many years.

The hoof-and-mouth virus, says F-A-O, is also one of the most contagious. No country is believed to be safe from it because of increased international trade, tourism, and the movement of animals and animal products.

Hoof-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals. It is characterized by the formation of fluid-filled blisters and erosions in the mouth, nose, teats, and feet.

The disease is usually not lethal in adult animals, but it can kill young animals and cause serious production losses as well as animal suffering.

Although the hoof-and-mouth disease situation has improved substantially during the past two or three decades in some parts of the world, the F-A-O says the disease remains endemic in many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.

The current outbreak of the disease will be the focus of F-A-O discussions in Rome between March 21st and 23rd.

Hundreds of outbreaks of hoof and mouth disease have been confirmed in Britain. France has had one confirmed case and other countries are checking suspected cases.

The U-N food agency has recommended that countries most exposed to the risk of the disease should reinforce control measures at their borders, particularly on vehicles returning from infected areas, and on tourists. The United Nations also recommends countries at risk impose stricter controls on food imports. (SIGNED)

NEB/SC/GE/RAE