Amman: The Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday said there have been no signs of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) for two days in a row in the Dhelil area in Zarqa, the epicenter of a recent outbreak, adding that the spread has been curbed thanks to restrictions imposed on livestock transport and markets.
In a statement, the ministry noted that milk production in the epicenter is gradually increasing, adding that the damage assessment committee will wrap up its job as of Sunday evening.
Reports issued by a committee of Italian specialists formed by the World Organization for Animal Health showed that the new strain of the SAT2 virus (a serotype of FMD) is genetically identical to a strain in Iraq and may have been transmitted through fodder imported to the Kingdom.
The ministry added that livestock markets will open on Monday in all governorates except Zarqa and Mafraq, but cows and calves will not be available for trade.
Officials have reassured the public that the FMD outbreak does not endanger human health and that local animal products are safe for consumption.
Source: Jordan News Agency