Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

What is a recommended preemptive action in a suspected FMD situation?

1. Encourage public gatherings to educate

2. Increase traffic flow onto the farm

3. Isolate infected areas from the healthy livestock

4. Allow normal farm operations to continue

The correct answer is: Isolate infected areas from the healthy livestock

In a suspected Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) situation, isolating infected areas from healthy livestock is a crucial preemptive action. This measure is important as FMD is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through contact between infected and healthy animals. By isolating the affected regions, you can effectively contain the disease, preventing it from reaching healthy livestock and minimizing the potential for an outbreak. This strategy not only protects unaffected animals, but it also aids in the control efforts and reduces the overall impact on the livestock industry. Taking actions such as encouraging public gatherings or increasing traffic flow onto the farm can lead to greater exposure and risk of spreading FMD. Allowing normal farm operations to continue without any changes could overlook the necessity for immediate containment and could exacerbate the situation by not addressing the risk of transmission. Therefore, isolating infected areas is an essential and proactive step in managing a suspected FMD case.