Uruguay is proclaimed today as the only country in the world that has ovine animals free of foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination under a technological innovation together with biosecurity health care.For a country whose economy rests largely on livestock, it is considered as an important productive contribution to export what is described as ‘certified open-air compartments.’
So far there are three, which according to the authorities comply with regulations of the World Organization of Animal Health and its mission is to develop meat differential products to open international markets.Although this productive modality is not always recognized by the countries, Uruguay facilitated the opening of the United States to sell meat with bone, said the Director of Livestock Services, Eduardo Barre, in the Uruguayan department of Florida.
In a scientific conference organized there by the Uruguayan Wool Secretariat, it was reported that after the experience of compartments for 10 thousand sheep, eight requests for more openings between private and public-private are analyzed.
The main requirement is that the lambs laid for fattening have individual serology negative to foot-and-mouth disease, without living with vaccinated cattle and under strict biosecurity measures.
Thus the animals are identified with caravans for traceability with a chip and another for visual reading. Other requirements include a single gateway to confinements with double wiring, disinfection so that there is no viral activity, the source of water is safe, the sanitary and personal movement is fully detailed, the clothes to be used are in the compartment and that veterinary products are used correctly.
‘All this implies biosecurity requirements that must be met to pass the international audits, said Barre, who explained that it is also audited in cold stores because a special slaughterhouse is made for sheep derived from the compartments.
Source: Prensa Latina
