Surveillance Guidance

Surveillance of animals for FMD involves close observation and testing. This is also referred to as “disease monitoring” in the beef producer materials. Surveillance in the SBS Plan is the ability to demonstrate a lack of evidence of FMD in order to request a movement permit. Potential surveillance methods are described in the Surveillance Guidance document including:

• Virological surveillance (such as oral swabs)
• Conducting Active Observational Surveillance (AOS) daily by trained Cattle Health Monitors employed by the premises
• Periodic inspection of cattle and AOS records by Accredited Veterinarians under the authority of Responsible Regulatory Officials
• Follow-up laboratory testing for animals with any suspicious clinical signs

At this time, the ability to provide a very high degree of confidence that animals are negative for FMD virus using currently available, validated laboratory testing methods, and sample collection protocols for large groups or certain types of animals is limited. Diagnostic tests to be performed and sampling protocols may evolve throughout the outbreak based on new knowledge and technology.