The Miyazaki Prefectural Government on July 22 lifted its last ban on the shipment of livestock. This is a sign that the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in the prefecture, which lasted more than three months, is nearing an end. But it must be kept in mind that the eradication of the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease has not yet been confirmed.
It only is confirmed that there are no more new cases of foot- and-mouth disease. There is the possibility that the virus remains in animal waste on livestock farms and in other substances. To prevent its spread, thorough disinfection must be carried out.
The prefectural government is visually inspecting all livestock in the prefecture — some 940,000 animals. It plans to officially declare an end to the foot-and-mouth disease crisis on Aug. 27, when the treatment and disposal of animal waste on livestock farms is completed.