Agriculture Ministry forms specialised committee to contain FMD spread

AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture announced the formation of a specialised committee to prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from spreading among cattle in other areas of the Kingdom.

During a visit to Zarqa’s Dhuleil district on Saturday, Minister of Agriculture Khalid Hneifat followed up on measures being taken to control FMD cases. 

Joining forces with all relevant parties, the ministry has taken all necessary procedures and has isolated all infected properties in Dhuleil, the minister emphasised.

“Ministry experts have been taking samples from the infected properties to identify the virus strain, after which all test results will be shared with the relevant authorities,” he added.

A ministry statement sent to The Jordan Times said that the ministry will develop a “clear roadmap” aimed to prevent further spread of FMD, take steps towards giving cattle a booster dose and in case a new strain is found — provide additional vaccinations.

Deputy Head of the Jordanian Veterinary Association (JVA) Ghadanfar Abu Zneid, noted that “all relevant authorities are taking all precautions,” noting that “from a scientific point of view, FMD does not affect people”.

The ministry’s measures are organised, and all required tests have been performed, he said.

A ministry statement also showed that the minister has met with cattle farmers, during which he listened to their concerns related to FMD.

According to President of Al Dhuleil Dairy Cattle Association Ali Ghabayen, all relevant associations are currently cooperating with the ministry to contain the FMD and reduce yield losses.