Comparing Marek's Disease (MDV), Infectious Bronchitis (IBV), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

An outbreak of any of these diseases would be devastating to the US or Argentina because of consumer dependence on the food animal industries, the narrow profit margins of the producers of the industries, and the large economic contribution of food animal production to the entire country. The risk of these diseases to both countries is very serous and growing. Argentina is currently suffering the affects of being a country infected with FMD.

There are basically four reasons why risk of transmission of disease is increased.

• First, there are increased movement of people and animals across national borders as well as with in a nation.

• Second, the destruction of natural habitats of wild animals often forces them into areas used for animal production. These wild birds and hoof stock can often infect production animals with new diseases or variations of diseases that can be devastating.

• Third, new species being brought into contact with one another also facilitates introduction of diseases to previously disease free farms.

• Fourth, intense husbandry and production to feed the population leads to conditions on farms that promote the spread of disease. For example, sanitation is more difficult to maintain, and animals housed this way are more stressed and have a suppressed immunity.

What are the main risk factors of Marek’s Disease (MDV), Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) and Foot and Mouth Disease in Argentina compared to the US?

How serious is the Marek's Disease (MDV)/Infectious Bronchitis (IBV) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) risk (including economic) to Argentina and the United States?