Control measures for an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at the point of origin and its surrounding

This bachelor's thesis called "Control measures for an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at the point of origin and its surroundings" deals with problems concerning FMD disease occurrence in Chlebov livestock holding belonging to Reprogen JSC. FMD is extremely dangerous and highly contagious disease causing high fever that affects especially cloven-hoofed animals. A viral genus Aphthovirus is the originator, causing blisters and aphthae on intestinal tract, limbs and hairless skin, other symptoms are lameness and slobbering. The main source of infection is a sick animal and animals or objects contaminated by a sick animal. Animal to human transmission is possible but rare due to high quality of food processing and high standard of hygiene. The last recorded case of FMD in the Czech Republic was forty years ago. The public is convinced that possibility of FMD outbreak with subsequent spreading into the epidemic is almost zero. Despite this fact the Czech Republic as well as the European Union make an effort and a lot of funds to be prepared for extraordinary situations caused by FMD and Avian influenza. Concerned authorities prepare early warning and contingency plans whose up-to-date status is regularly verified during large scale emergency exercises on regional and national level basis. The introduction part of this thesis summarises disease control measures used during particular stages of development of the infection, from suspicion to confirmation to eradication of the disease. The first stage is carried out by the breeder and the veterinary authorities. The Integrated Rescue System involvement according to valid legislation is necessary after the disease is confirmed. Primarily involved in disease eradication are regional Fire Rescue Services, the Police of the Czech Republic and the Czech Republic's Army. The next part deals with the test of feasibility of disease control measures in Chlebov livestock holding. There was created map schematics with information about particular measures. It focuses primarily on cadaver disposal. Chlebov livestock holding is located in proximity of burying spot that is why the most optimal combination was chosen that is transport to Dobřejovice and burying. The hypothesis is following: "Within IRS frame we are able to manage the FMD disease in a particular livestock holding and prevent its spread into the whole area of the Czech Republic. The aim of this thesis was to propose an action plan for overcoming FMD disease in particular livestock holding and to check the feasibility of these measures. Keywords: contagious disease, point of origin, eradication of FMD Available scientific literature and internet sources within the frame of valid legislation were used. The findings were checked and consulted with particular IRS members and veterinary authority representatives. The results part describes particular measures, their advantages and disadvantages and map schemas. While checking the feasibility of the measures a problem with biogas station appeared. It was discussed with the Reprogen representatives how to find an ideal solution to make this station secure. The second part of discussion was devoted to pondering whether we are ready to the possibility of spreading FMD disease through the whole area of the Czech Republic. To deal with this problem I gathered information about large epidemics during the last twenty years in Europe. After reviewing the information I came to the conclusion that the Czech Republic is not capable of dealing with large scale epidemics on its own and cooperation with other EU member states is necessary. There is a suggestion in the conclusion part of this work to further improve current set of measures and develop new ones