The infectious animal disease lumpy skin disease (LSD), also known as nodular dermatitis, is increasingly spreading among cattle in France and Italy. The current situation in these member states is unstable, with multiple outbreaks on cattle farms and adjustments to restriction areas as a result. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) urges livestock carriers to pay extra attention to proper cleaning and disinfection (R&O) of animal transport vehicles.
In animal transport, there is a risk of spreading lumpy skin disease. Therefore, it is essential to strictly adhere to transport hygiene, R&O procedures, and hygiene protocols. This call applies to livestock transport vehicles at primary farms, collection centers, and slaughterhouses.
Use the R&O Action Plan
When animal transport vehicles are not cleaned and disinfected adequately, the LSD virus can be transmitted to kept cattle. This poses a significant risk to biosecurity and the LSD-free status of the Netherlands. Therefore, hygiene measures must be followed meticulously. The NVWA has created an R&O action plan for this purpose. With this action plan, carriers can thoroughly clean and disinfect their livestock transport vehicles and prevent the spread of the LSD virus. This also promotes the overall health of the animals.
Increased Controls and Second R&O
Due to the threat of lumpy skin disease, the NVWA has tightened controls on compliance with the rules. There is also a second R&O obligation for transport vehicles of even-toed ungulates for Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and all countries outside the European Union, i.e., third countries. See our website for this.
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