Eradication of foot and mouth disease in Japan

An outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) was recorded in Japan in the spring of 2000, the first for ninety-two years. Between 25 March and 11 May, four farms were infected. However, the disease was eradicated without resorting to vaccination, through a campaign of culling, movement control of cloven-hoofed animals in areas surrounding infected premises, and intensive clinical and serological surveillance. Japan regained FMD-free status by the end of September 2000. The authors describe the nature of the outbreaks, the eradication measures implemented, and the clinical and serological surveillance methods used. The possible sources of infection are also examined. Finally, the direct and indirect economic losses are presented.