Under the control of Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Russia Maxim Iosifovich Uvaydov, command and staff exercises were held to localize and eliminate a conditional epizootic focus of foot-and-mouth disease, a particularly dangerous viral disease that occurs in both animals and humans.

The exercises were held in one of the farms of the Shpakovsky district. The disease is dangerous not only for cattle, but also for humans, so all stages of the response were carried out in special protective suits. As part of the exercise, experts identified signs of foot-and-mouth disease in sheep and took animal blood samples. Professional veterinarians are needed to quickly and efficiently eliminate the focus of the disease. The Stavropol Agrarian University is engaged in their preparation.

«Our university annually trains dozens of veterinary specialists, for whom such exercises are indicative. I am sure that our graduates are well aware of all the algorithms of action in the event of an epidemiological danger, — said the rector of the Stavropol State Agrarian University Vladimir Sitnikov.

The event brought together dozens of Russian specialists. The participants were shown all the steps to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, a check was made of the readiness for operation of disinfection equipment and equipment, the material security of the units with equipment, tools, and overalls. The exercise made it possible to work out the procedure in case of a real infection.

«It’s better to practice during a calm period, to see how the veterinary service works, how federal, regional, and municipal authorities work. At this moment, when a focus arises, the cohesion of actions is important. Today we saw that the work has been done, the service has a fairly good staffing level, means, equipment, everything is enough, ” said Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation Maxim Uvaydov.