Traceback systems used during recent epizootics in Asia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary epidemiology
• Animal disease traceback systems
• Infectious disease surveillance

Background:

• Traceback systems for animal disease control are underdeveloped across most Asian countries.
• Current animal marking practices for traceback are limited to specific regions or purposes.
• Effective traceback is crucial for identifying disease origins and preventing outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the development and implementation of animal traceback systems in Asia.
• To investigate the origins of recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks in the Republic of Korea and Japan.
• To compare the pathogenicity of FMD viruses isolated in East Asian countries.

Main Methods:

• Questionnaire survey of veterinary officials in thirteen Asian countries.
• Epidemiological investigations into suspected contamination sources for FMD outbreaks.
• Comparative pathogenicity studies of FMD (type O) virus isolates.

Main Results:

• Most Asian countries reported underdeveloped animal traceback systems.
• Malaysia utilizes farm code tattoos on pigs for Nipah virus traceback.
• Epidemiological studies failed to identify the origin of FMD in the Republic of Korea; imported wheat straw was implicated in Japan.
• Comparative studies suggested FMD viruses might originate from vaccine strains used elsewhere.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps exist in Asian animal traceback capabilities, impacting disease control.
• Targeted marking systems, like pig tattoos, can aid in specific disease investigations.
• Further research is needed to elucidate FMD virus origins and the role of potential vaccine strains in regional outbreaks.