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🛒 تسوق الآنFoot-and-Mouth Disease Control Committee Approves Action Plan to Contain Libya Outbreaks
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control Committee Approves Action Plan to Contain Libya Outbreaks
Libya reports multiple FMD outbreaks across cities as veterinary authorities scramble to contain spread
The Supreme Committee for Combating Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has approved a comprehensive action plan aimed at containing outbreak hotspots and preventing further spread of the highly contagious viral disease across Libya, the Ministry of Agriculture announced Sunday.
The committee — operating under the Government of National Unity's Ministry of Agriculture — held an emergency meeting at the National Center for Animal Health in Tripoli to assess the current epidemiological situation and review field measures being taken in coordination with security and specialized authorities, according to a ministry statement on Facebook.
Emergency Meeting Addresses Logistical Obstacles
Committee members discussed ongoing obstacles facing technical teams, particularly logistical challenges related to veterinary quarantine routes, disinfection operations, sample collection, and laboratory analysis. Officials also explored ways to secure emergency supplies and allocate necessary budgets to overcome these hurdles immediately.
The meeting underscored that the success of containment efforts depends heavily on cooperation from livestock breeders and the general public, calling on citizens to comply fully with preventive measures.
FMD Infections Confirmed in Multiple Libyan Cities
The emergency measures come after veterinary authorities reported confirmed FMD infections in several Libyan cities over the past days, with suspected cases under investigation in other areas. The outbreaks have prompted the National Center for Animal Health to issue strict directives tightening control over livestock movement and closing livestock markets in affected municipalities.
Earlier this month, authorities shut down a cattle farm in Tajoura after 15 head of cattle tested positive for the disease. Livestock markets in Ajdabiya and Tarhuna were also closed as a precautionary measure to prevent further transmission.
Understanding Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The virus causes fever and blister-like sores on the mouth, tongue, teats, and hooves, often leading to lameness, reduced milk production, and weight loss.
While adult animals typically recover, the disease can be fatal in young livestock, causing myocarditis and sudden death. The economic impact is substantial — outbreaks disrupt livestock trade, reduce agricultural productivity, and require costly containment measures including culling and vaccination campaigns.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), FMD is endemic in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Libya's livestock sector, which includes an estimated 5 million sheep, 300,000 cattle, and 2.5 million goats according to FAO data, remains vulnerable to periodic outbreaks.
No Risk to Human Health
Health authorities have emphasized that foot-and-mouth disease does not pose a significant health risk to humans. The virus is not easily transmitted to people, and cases in humans are extremely rare and generally mild. However, officials stressed the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures to prevent animal-to-animal transmission and protect livelihoods.
The National Center for Animal Health has ramped up surveillance activities and vaccination drives in affected areas, while field teams continue to monitor suspected cases and enforce quarantine protocols.
Call for Breeder Cooperation
The committee has urged livestock breeders to immediately report any suspected cases to veterinary authorities and refrain from moving animals between regions without proper health inspection. "The awareness of breeders and citizens is the cornerstone of successful containment plans," the committee stated, reiterating that compliance with preventive procedures is critical to limiting the outbreak's impact on Libya's livestock sector.
Authorities have also warned against the illegal sale of sick animals and called on municipalities to support veterinary teams in implementing containment measures on the ground.
— Libya Press / News Desk
