Montevideo, 20^th^ August 2002

**TO:** Dr. Roberto Navarro López

Dr. Sylvie Farez

Dr. Bob Sturm

Dr. Theresa Boyle

Dr. Hatim Gubara

Dr. Cristóbal Zepeda

Dr. Daniel O. Oryang

Dr. Farouk Hamdy

**FROM:** Dante H. Geymonat, Assessor DGSG

**SUBJECT:** Additional information for NAFTA Mission

1.  The Mission's team requested additional information during the
    Epidemiology meeting and the Final meeting.

2.  On 8^th^ August 2002, Dr. Zepeda forwarded a list with seven
    questions. We sent the information held by APHIS/USDA and CFIA to
    Dr. Navarro.

3.  Further to the questions and clarifications requested by Dr. Zepeda,
    we would thank Dr. Navarro and Dr. Farez if they would let us know
    their requests, if the answers submitted do not satisfy their needs.

On the other hand, we would be very thankful if Dr. Zepeda forwards his
list of questions to Dr. Navarro and Dr. Farez.

4.  [Parameters needed]{.underline}

    1.  In the answer to the APHIS/USDA questionnaire sent on 15^th^
        April 2002 (now known by the three countries), in the chapter
        "Parameters needed for the risk evaluation", item "number of
        herds in export region", only one figure was given for the
        number of holdings with cattle, i.e., 48.518, which is the total
        number, according to DICOSE's affidavit dated 30^th^ June 2001.

    2.  During the Saturday 27^th^ work meeting, we agreed to eliminate
        from the number of holdings that could possibly complete a
        shipment to a slaughter plant: a) all the holdings under 200
        hectares and b) all dairy holdings and dairy cattle stocks over
        200 hectares.

    3.  On the basis of these restrictions, DICOSE produced the table
        enclosed as Annex 1. a) It reduces the number of holdings from
        48.518 to 14.643 (30.2%). B) Such holdings total 8:570.874 heads
        of cattle (80.9% from the total stock as per DICOSE affidavit
        30^th^ June 2001).

5.  [Generic procedure for maturation and pH control in bovine and ovine
    meat and offal.]{.underline}

> Enclosed please find (Annex 2) the Procedure 2001/2 from the Slaughter
> Plant Department from the Division of Animal Industry, dated 6^th^
> July 2001.

6.  [Procedures for official verification of the calibration of pH
    measuring devices for meat.]{.underline}

> The Slaughter Plant Department from the Division of Animal Industry
> has issued Circular 2002/4, on 3^rd^ August 2002, enclosed herein as
> Annex 3.

7.  [Information handed over by Dr. Lazaneo]{.underline}

> Dr. Lazaneo handed over to the Mission Team two tables. We want to
> clarify some points regarding them.

1.  In the table including the number of ovine and bovine carcasses
    rejected due to high pH:

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a)  the maturation period is 24 hours.

b)  The maturation temperature is over 2ºC.

c)  The pH is measured on the longissimus dorsi muscle.

d)  The carcasses are rejected when the pH value is equal to or higher
    than 6.0, as per the recommendations of OIE International
    Zoo-sanitary Code.

    1.  The table dealing with condemned products corresponds to the
        year 2001.

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8.  [Farmers in violation of the FMD vaccination
    regulations]{.underline}

    1.  As clarified during the mission, since the FMD outbreak in April
        2001, four general vaccinations including all the national
        cattle stock have been carried out: May-June 2001, June-July
        2001, February 2002 and May 2002. Further, in November 2001
        calves were vaccinated.

    2.  Direct vaccination control was carried out during the November
        2001 and February and May 2002 vaccinations. During November
        2001, 15.025 holdings were visited for direct control and 72 non
        complying farmers were reported. They were not vaccinating on
        the date and time previously assigned. During February 2002,
        16.909 holdings were visited and 116 farmers found non complying
        with date and time assigned for vaccination and communicated at
        the time of handing over the vaccine. During May 2002, 12.542
        holdings were visited and 87 non complying farmers detected.

> We want to make clear that non compliance means that the farmers were
> not applying the vaccine on the date and time assigned, but all of
> them did apply the vaccine later on, during the established period,
> under direct official supervision.

9.  [Inspections carried out by the Field Department from the Division
    of Animal Health]{.underline}

> In the table enclosed as Annex 4, there appear the inspections to
> holdings and animal concentrations carried out by the Division of
> Animal Health during the period 1998-2001.

10. [Summary of the process's steps]{.underline}

    1.  Unless we are mistaken, the information was sent according to
        the following chronological order:

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a)  On 23^rd^ May 2002, Dr. Gubara requested additional information to
    our Report dated 15^th^ April 2002.

b)  In that additional information, we estimated times from the holding
    to the port of destination.

c)  The table prepared, involving four periods and three events for each
    time was sent to Dr. Gubara on 30^th^ May 2002. We believe the other
    team members have that documentation. Please let us know if you do
    not have it.

    1.  In case you need more information, the Division of Animal
        Industry has prepared a flowchart that includes all the events
        from the moment the farmer plans to ship animals to an export
        approved slaughter plant to the moment the goods are shipped for
        exportation (Annex 5, including 5 pages).

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11. [Training and extension activities]{.underline}

> Annex 6 includes the training and extension activities carried out
> during 2001 and 2002.

12\. Number of herds involved in FMD outbreaks, detection and response
time estimates under massive vaccination control scenario.

12.1. Background & Rationale

During July 2002 NAFTA on-site Mission to Uruguay Team Members raised
interest about the issues related with number of herds and detection
time estimates under cattle mass-vaccination scenario. However, this
information was not indicated in the written summary-review of
additional information needs, submitted by Dr. Cristobal Zepeda on
August 8^th^ 2002.

Nevertheless, taking into account the interest raised along the on-site
visit and final meeting, we carry on a special revision of the Uruguay
\`s experience on these issues aiming to contribute and eventually
complete the information collected by Team Members.

The scope and focus of the analysis cover three years period -1988-1989
and 1990- taking into account, that was the immediate previous period to
FMD eradication in Uruguay, due relevant adjustments in the national
cattle mass-vaccination control program that lead to stopping
vaccination in June 1994.

In this matter is worth to highlight at the national level:

-   Uruguay's Government (GOU) as from 1987 starting the process of
    change in the national mandatory control program strategy and
    supporting strong regional coordination with border countries
    defined FMD Eradication Target Policy.

-   On October, 1989 the new regulatory provisions for FMD & Foreign
    Disease Control-Eradication and Compensation Fund prepared by
    DGSG.MGAP-GOU, was passed by Uruguay's Congress (Parliament) by Law
    Nº 16.082.

-   As from 1989-1990 polyvalent inactive oil adjuvant vaccines were
    progressively introduced in Uruguay with strong improvement in
    control activities.

-   Polyvalent oil-adjuvant vaccines providing long lasting immunity (1
    year in revaccinated cattle) replace saponin-adjuvant vaccines
    providing 4 to 6 month short immunity protection.

-   FMD vaccine virus inactivation with formaldehyde was abandoned,
    because most of vaccine accidents were connected with this kind of
    inactivation, and first order inactivation methods, with binary
    ethylenimine (BEI), were adopted in Uruguay and progressively
    extended in all the adjacent regions.

-   As from 1991 up to 1994 all cattle stock in Uruguay was vaccinated
    with polyvalent oil adjuvant BEI inactivated vaccines.

-   1993 Uruguay obtain recognition as FMD Freedom with vaccination.

-   1994 Vaccination was stopped; absence of viral activity was
    demonstrated and in 1995 Uruguay obtains recognition as FMD Freedom
    without Vaccination.

-   Uruguay remains FMD free for ten years, since June 1990 when last
    occurrence of FMD was reported, up to the end of October 2000 when
    the first reintroduction and eradication of the disease took place.

At the regional level is worth to highlight:

-   In June 1987 the Governments of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay,
    jointly with the Pan-American Center (PANAFTOSA --PAHO) FMD and
    Animal Vesicular Diseases Regional Reference Organization for the
    Americas, signed an International Cooperation Agreement for the
    Eradication of FMD (Regional Agreement).

-   Since 1988 the Regional Agreement introduce coordination of the
    national programs activities and procedures, harmonization in the
    type & composition of vaccines and vaccination calendar programs in
    the region.

-   Along the 90\`s polyvalent oil adjuvant vaccines, BEI inactivated,
    were extensively adopted reaching full mass-vaccination coverage of
    the region's cattle stocks, improving strongly control activities,
    that resulted in absence of FMD occurrence in adjacent border
    countries regions since 1993-94 and up to the year 2000.

# 12.2. Regarding Number of Herds Involved: Primary and Secondary Outbreaks

A summary of the review of FMD Primary & Secondary Outbreaks per year
and virus type recorded in Uruguay period 1988 a 1990 is shown below.

Table 1.

  ------------- ------------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------
  ***Year***    ***Virus Type***          ***Primary***   ***Secondary***   ***Total***

  ***1988***    **Virus "C"**             **1**           **6**             **7**

                **Virus "O"**             **1**           **2**             **3**

  ***1989***    **Virus "C"**             **1**           **28**            **29**

                **Virus"O"**              **1**           **32**            **33**

  ***1990***    **Virus "C"**             **1**           **0**             **1**

                **Virus "O"**             **2**           **14**            **16**

                **Virus "A"**             **1**           **16**            **17**

  ***Total***                             **8**           **98**            **106**
  ------------- ------------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------

*Source: Review of FMD Epidemiological Investigation Records 1988 to
1990,*

> *Animal Health Programs, Animal Health Division, General Department of
> Livestock Services, Ministry Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries
> (DSA-DGSG-MGAP) Uruguay.*

12.3. Regarding Animal Population Involved.

Aiming to refine the consideration of probabilities on number of herds
and cattle involved, It is appropriate to provide information taking
into account a longer period under the cattle mass-vaccination scenario.
Therefore, the evolution of number of herds and animal population
affected and exposed (at risk due direct contact) along the period of
seven years, 1988 to 1994, is shown below.

Table 2.

+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| #    |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| *URU |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| GUAY |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|  FMD |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|  ERA |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| DICA |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| TION |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|  POL |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| ICY* |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|      |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| ##   |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|  *SC |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| ENAR |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| IO:  |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| PERI |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| OD 1 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 988- |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 1994 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|  LAS |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| T 7  |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| YEAR |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| S WI |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| TH M |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| ASS- |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| VACC |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| INAT |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| ION  |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| PROG |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| RAM* |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+======+=============+=======+=======+=======+=======+=======+=======+
| **   | **          | **Bov | **Bov | **Ov  | **Ov  | **Sw  | **Sw  |
| *Yea | Outbreaks** | ine** | ine** | ine** | ine** | ine** | ine** |
| r*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
|      | **Nº Farms  | **    | *     | **    | *     | **    | *     |
|      | Involved**  | Affec | *Expo | Affec | *Expo | Affec | *Expo |
|      |             | ted** | sed** | ted** | sed** | ted** | sed** |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|      |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **10**      | **    | **6.  | **4** | **14. | *     | **    |
| *198 |             | 106** | 891** |       | 443** | *45** | 133** |
| 8*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **62**      | **1.  | **64. | *     | **96. | **    | **    |
| *198 |             | 855** | 851** | *42** | 972** | 128** | 616** |
| 9*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **34**      | **    | **20. | *     | **22. | *     | *     |
| *199 |             | 557** | 361** | *60** | 664** | *13** | *98** |
| 0*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **0**       | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** |
| *199 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 1*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **0**       | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** |
| *199 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 2*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **0**       | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** |
| *199 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 3*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **0**       | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** | **0** |
| *199 |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
| 4*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|      |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| ***  | **106**     | **2.  | **92. | **    | *     | **    | **    |
| Tota |             | 518** | 103** | 106** | *134. | 186** | 847** |
| l*** |             |       |       |       | 079** |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| **   | **15**      | **    | **13. | *     | **19. | *     | **    |
| *Mea |             | 360** | 158** | *15** | 154** | *27** | 121** |
| n*** |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|      |             |       |       |       |       |       |       |
+------+-------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

Source: Animal Health Division-General Department of Livestock Services
(DSA-DGSG) Uruguay Reports to OIE.

# It is worthwhile to highlight that 1988-1994 time-period covers the full implementation of the FMD eradication target policy strategy and five years of cattle mass-vaccination with FMD polyvalent, BEI inactivated, oil adjuvant vaccines. 

# 12.4. Regarding Detection Time Estimates under Mass-Vaccination Scenario

The time period estimates between VS attention-visit to reported cases,
and the on set of FMD clinical signs, in Uruguay along the period
1988-1990 under cattle mass-vaccination program, resulting of the review
carried on the epidemiological record-cards, in order to address the
information request of the on-site mission-visit is summarized in the
table below.

Table 3.

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***Time estimated for    ***Frequency***   ***Proportion***   ***Cumulative***
  the on set FMD clinical                                       
  signs at VS                                                   
  attention-visits***                                           
  ------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------
  ***Less than 24hrs***    **42**            **0.40**           **0.40**

  ***1 day***              **43**            **0.41**           **0.81**

  ***2 days***             **11**            **0.10**           **0.91**

  ***3 days***             **9**             **0.08**           **0.99**

  ***4 days***             **1**             **0.01**           **1.00**

  ***Total***              **106**           **1.00**           
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: Review of FMD Epidemiological Investigation Records 1988 to
1990, Animal Health Programs, Animal Health Division, General Department
of Livestock Services, Ministry Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries
(DSA-DGSG-MGAP) Uruguay.

### 12.5. Regarding Detection Time Estimates: Non Vaccination Scenario

The above estimates could be compare with the outcome time-estimates,
under the recent experience of the epidemic scenario, without
mass-vaccination immunity, along the first two weeks April, 23^rd^. to
May 6^th,^ 2001 FMD outbreak conditions.

The summary analysis results, obtained from a excel file attached to
this document, is shown below.

> Table 4.

  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***Time estimated    ***Case Frequency***      ***Proportion***   ***Cumulative***
  for the on set FMD                                                
  clinical signs at VS                                              
  attention-visit***                                                
  -------------------- ------------------------- ------------------ ------------------
  ***\> 24 hours***    **109**                   **0.3597**         **0.3597**

  ***1 day***          **95**                    **0.3135**         **0.6733**

  ***2 days***         **44**                    **0.1452**         **0.8185**

  ***3 days***         **22**                    **0.0726**         **0.8911**

  ***4 days***         **13**                    **0.0429**         **0.9340**

  ***5 days***         **8**                     **0.0264**         **0.9604**

  ***6 days***         **8**                     **0.0264**         **0.9868**

  ***7 days***         **3**                     **0.0099**         **0.9967**

  ***8 days***         **1**                     **0.0033**         **1.0000**

  ***Total***          **303**                   **1.00**           
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

> *Source: Database Animal Health Programs (DSA-DGSG-MGAP Uruguay).*
>
> A hard print-copy of the 303 FMD Outbreaks Database information, by
> V.S. attention-visit date, for the period April 23^rd^ to May 6^th^,
> 2001 was handed to team members on July 27^th^, 2002 meeting
> ("Epidemia F. Aftosa 2001: Focos Ordenados por Fecha de Atencion 2
> primeras semanas" Annex 7).

12.6. Regarding Surveillance and Veterinary Services Response.

In the table below cases detected and reported during the last three
years with FMD occurrence and cattle mass-vaccination is shown

Table 5.

+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
|             |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***         |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| SENSITIVITY |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| &           |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| E           |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| FECTIVENESS |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| OF PASSIVE  |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| S           |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| URVEILLANCE |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| SYSTEMS***  |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***UNDER    |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| MASS-       |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| VACCINATION |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| SCENARIO*** |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| ***How were |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| cases       |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| detected    |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| during past |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| five years  |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| (19         |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
| 85-1990)*** |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
|             |        |      |   |    | ####      | #               |
|             |        |      |   |    | # Percent | #### Cumulative |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***Reported | **     | **19 | * |    |           |                 |
| by:***      | 1988** | 89** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 1 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 9 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 9 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 0 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| *           |        | **   | * |    | **70 %**  | **70 %**        |
| **Owners*** |        | 49** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 2 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 5 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***Private  | **9**  | *    | * |    | **17 %**  | **87 %**        |
| Vets***     |        | *4** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 5 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***N        | **1**  | *    | * |    | **6 %**   | **93 %**        |
| eighbors*** |        | *3** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 2 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***VS       | **0**  | *    | * |    | **3 %**   | **95 %**        |
| In          |        | *3** | * |    |           |                 |
| spectors*** |        |      | 0 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***Ante     | **0**  | *    | * |    | **0 %**   | **95 %**        |
| Mortem      |        | *0** | * |    |           |                 |
| VOI***      |        |      | 0 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***Post     | **0**  | *    |   |    | **0 %**   | **95 %**        |
| Mortem      |        | *0** |   |    |           |                 |
| VOI***      |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ##          |        | *    | * |    | **4 %**   | **100 %**       |
| ##### Other |        | *3** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 2 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
| ***Total*** | **10** | **   | * |    | **106**   |                 |
|             |        | 62** | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 3 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | 4 |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
|             |        |      | * |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+
|             |        |      |   |    |           |                 |
+-------------+--------+------+---+----+-----------+-----------------+

Livestock holders and private vets on behalf of farmers amount for over
and above 90 % of suspected case report to the Veterinary Official
Services.

Similar figures and percentage of reporting have been recorded regarding
discarded suspected cases due differential diagnosis under the
non-vaccination scenario and along the recent epidemic experiences 2000
& 2001.

The time response Suspected Case report to Veterinary Services and
Attention-Visit to the herd historically is within 2 to 4 hours and 100%
have been addressed within the first 12 hours of reporting.

Uruguay's Veterinary Services has historically fulfill timely and
regular reporting, to reference organizations and trade partners,
according with OIE, standards, guidelines and recommendations as well
with the disciplines and principles of the SPS-WTO Agreement.

Particularly in the recent reintroduction of FMD, in 2000 and 2001, OIE
and Trade Partners have been promptly notified, within 24 hours, and in
both opportunities on the basis of clinical diagnosis, before laboratory
FMD sero-type and virus isolation confirmation results were available.

Additionally and at the same time, immediate Export Health Certification
and Shipments of potential risk products have been stopped, by the
General Department of Livestock Services, as preventive measure,
consistent with the strong commitment of Uruguay\`s Authorities to
guarantee appropriate level of sanitary protection and risk mitigation
to international markets at Trade Partners Countries from the spread of
animal health diseases.

13\. [Bovine national sampling 2002]{.underline}

1.  As previously reported (8 May 2002), the final result was 199
    holdings sampled (in the different strata), where 101 positive sera
    were detected in 6883 samples. The method used was non-structural
    UBI antigens.

2.  The 101 sera positive to UBI are distributed in 49 holdings, whose
    geographical location is showed in the map enclosed herein.

3.  On 10 May 2002, the Field Department of the Division of Animal
    Health issued a circular to the Departmental Chiefs, identifying the
    holdings with positive sera in each Department. A strict
    epidemiological surveillance was enforced, with clinical inspection
    of cattle and sheep, with a special emphasis on young animals. Any
    observation must be immediately reported to the Field Department.

4.  No news appeared in any of the 49 holdings under consideration.

5.  It should be underlined that, according to the sampling instructions
    established:

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```
a)  The animals sampled had been vaccinated in May-June 2001 and
    June-July 2001.

b)  No animals vaccinated in November 2001 (calves) were to be sampled.

c)  The samples were to be taken on the same day the vaccination was
    established for a particular holding (February 2002), before
    applying the vaccine.

    1.  Afterwards, the 101 sera positive to UBI were reprocessed by
        DILAVE, using the Pirbright kit (3ABC) and VIAA, with the
        following results:

  --------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------
  **Serological                                              
  sampling in                                                
  cattle. 2002**                                             

                               Holdings with                 
                               positive sera:                

  Strata          Holdings     To UBI (1)     To Pirbright   To VIAA (2)
                  sampled                     3ABC           

  I               59           18             7              10

  II              65           16             6              5

  III             75           15             5              2

  Total holdings  199          49             18             17

  Total positive  6883 (3)     101            29             31
  sera                                                       
  --------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------

1.  United Biomedical Inc. Long Island. New York.

2.  Virus Infection Associated Antigen.

> 14.- Please confirm receipt of this document.

3.  Total sera evaluated.

> ![](media/image1.png){width="7.682677165354331in"
> height="9.95in"}![](media/image1.png){width="7.682677165354331in"
> height="9.95in"}

2.  We wish to make clear that the XXIX Meeting of the South American
    Commission for the Fight against FMD (COSALFA) adopted Resolution VI
    "Diagnosis kits", essentially establishing:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a)  to stimulate member countries to use complete kits based on the
    ELISA 3ABC/EITB system and

b)  that PANAFTOSA guarantees the supply and quality of the kits.

Please acknowledge receipt of this document.

  ------------------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------
  **ANNEX 1:**                                                                                                         

  **A Ñ O 2 0 0 1 DI CO SE                                                                                             
  T O T A L N A C I O N A                                                                                              
  L**                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                       

  **E S T R A T O S**      **IV**          **V**           **VI**          **VII**         **VIII**      **IX**        **T O T A L**

  **En Hectáreas desde**   **200 a 499**   **500 a 999**   **1000 a 2499** **2500 a 4999** **5000 a      **10000 y     
                                                                                           9999**        m s**         

                                                                                                                       

  **ESTABLECIMIENTOS POR   7.108           3.765           2.769           787             181           33            14.643
  ESTRATO**                                                                                                            

                                                                                                                       

  **VACUNOS EN EL                                                                                                      
  ESTABLECIMIENTO**                                                                                                    

  **TOROS**                18.903          22.732          42.347          29.474          12.396        5.062         130.914

  **VACAS DE CRIA          557.991         585.789         896.938         569.417         229.874       92.882        2.932.891
  ENTORADAS**                                                                                                          

  **VACAS DE INVERNADA**   60.115          80.216          122.201         89.664          39.302        12.581        404.079

  **NOVILLOS DE MAS DE 3   95.807          138.007         199.845         126.680         52.137        7.374         619.850
  AÑOS**                                                                                                               

  **NOVILLOS DE 2 A 3      128.594         154.878         254.970         137.606         55.114        12.658        743.820
  AÑOS**                                                                                                               

  **NOVILLOS DE 1 A 2      149.637         186.589         293.677         170.247         62.194        19.249        881.593
  AÑOS**                                                                                                               

  **VAQUILLONAS + 2 AÑOS   68.684          72.955          111.331         74.010          27.550        7.892         362.422
  SIN ENTORAR**                                                                                                        

  **VAQUILLONAS DE 1 A 2   137.691         166.394         260.010         170.132         70.803        24.441        829.471
  AÑOS**                                                                                                               

  **TERNEROS / TERNERAS**  311.475         327.943         505.630         328.490         141.672       50.624        1.665.834

  **T O T A L D E V A C U  **1.528.897**   **1.735.503**   **2.686.949**   **1.695.720**   **691.042**   **232.763**   **8.570.874**
  N O S**                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                       

  **OVINOS EN EL                                                                                                       
  ESTABLECIMIENTO**                                                                                                    

  **CARNEROS**             32.509          42.421          65.980          39.767          14.996        5.658         201.331

  **OVEJAS DE CRIA         1.057.316       1.089.832       1.509.832       867.754         349.217       120.172       4.994.123
  (ENCARNERADAS)**                                                                                                     

  **OVEJAS DE DESCARTE**   104.813         122.800         198.017         100.675         38.202        9.474         573.981

  **CAPONES**              268.490         248.063         303.849         194.013         74.998        23.253        1.112.666

  **BORREGAS 2 A 4 DIENTES 94.699          100.735         140.540         95.007          33.939        12.646        477.566
  SIN ENCARNERAR**                                                                                                     

  **BORREGAS DIENTES       257.998         281.855         430.501         258.357         112.849       33.099        1.374.659
  LECHE**                                                                                                              

  **BORREGOS DIENTES       219.641         239.919         359.955         204.112         93.099        27.803        1.144.529
  LECHE**                                                                                                              

  **CORDEROS / CORDERAS**  52.232          78.557          103.179         74.286          14.930        5.688         328.872

  **T O T A L D E O V I N  **2.087.698**   **2.204.182**   **3.111.853**   **1.833.971**   **732.230**   **237.793**   **10.207.727**
  O S**                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                       
  ------------------------ --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------

#### ANNEX 2

**MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES**

**DIVISION OFANIMAL INDUSTRY**

**DEPARTMENT SLAUGHTER PLANTS**

**Procedure 2001/2**

# Generic procedure for maturation and pH control in

**bovine and ovine meat and offal**

Montevideo, 6^th^ July 2001

## 

## Objective

The objective of this procedure is to describe the sanitary maturation
and pH control in order to inactivate the virus of Foot and Mouth
Disease (FMD).

## Responsibilities

The Official Veterinary Inspection (IVO) service in each plant.

## Frequency

Each time that the plant produces for the European Union.

## References

Decision 93/402/CEE.

Circular of the Division of Animal Industry 3/2000, dated 26^th^ October
2000.

## Records

The application of this procedure generates the following documents:

a)  maturation card

b)  thermographic record of the maturation chillers

c)  pH control (recorded in a special notebook)

## Description

### Carcasses

The carcasses shall be matured in chillers with a temperature over 2°
Celsius, measured at the time when the first carcass is entered.

When the chiller is full, the doors are closed and the Official
Veterinary Inspector officially locks or seals the door.

A holder for the card shall be put by the door of the chiller. The
Official Inspector controls and registers in the card the following
temperatures and times:

> Temperature and time when the first carcass is entered into the
> chiller
>
> Temperature and time when the chiller doors are closed
>
> Temperature and time 24 hours after maturation is started.

Once 24 hours have passed, the chiller is opened in order to control the
pH.

The pH shall be measured before deboning, in beef, perforating the half
carcasses between the 12^th^ and 13^th^ ribs, and in mutton, at the
psoas muscle.

The electronically measured pH in the middle of the longissimus dorsi
muscle in cattle and in the psoas muscle in sheep shall be lower than
6.0 in both cases.

The instrument used to measure the pH shall be calibrated according to
the manufacturer's specifications.

The carcasses with a pH equal to or higher than 6.0 shall be identified
with a seal reading "**R pH**" (rejected due to pH), shall be stored in
a separate chiller and shall not be exported to the European Union.

The number of carcasses approved or rejected for the European Union
shall be registered in the pH control notebook.

### Offal

Offal shall be maturated in a chiller at a temperature higher than 2°
Celsius.

Once the chiller is full, offal shall be kept at least three hours at a
temperature over 2° Celsius.

In the case of cheek muscles, they shall be maturated at least during 2
hours.

**ANNEX 3**

##### MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

**GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK SERVICES**

**DIVISION OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY**

**SLAUGHTER PLANTS DEPARTMENT**

**CIRCULAR 2002/4**

Montevideo, 3^rd^ August 2002

Dr.

Inspector in Charge

FRIGORIFICO

Attached to this Circular, please find the "PROCEDURE FOR OFFICIAL
VERIFICATION OF THE CALIBRATION OF pH MEASURING DEVICES FOR MEAT"

This procedure must be implemented as from 1^st^ September 2002.

Dr. Ronald Deutsch

Chief

**PROCEDURE FOR THE OFFICIAL VERIFICATION OF THE CALIBRATION OF pH
MEASURING DEVICES FOR MEAT**

**Objective:** To assure the confidence of the measures of meat pH
registered by the company.

**Responsible person:** Official Veterinary Inspector (OVI).

**Frequency:** Once before the beginning of daily activities and, during
the work day, each 200 measurements or any time the OVI deems it
necessary.

**References:** Form "Registry of official verification of the
calibration of pH measuring devices for meat".

**Date:** 2^nd^ August 2002

**Enforcement:** 1^st^ September 2002

**Description of the procedure:**

The instrument is calibrated using buffer solutions prepared with
reference standards for pH values 4.0 and 7.0.

These solutions are provided by the company, on a daily basis, for the
exclusive use of the official Veterinary Inspection. The dilution is
prepared under control of the official Veterinary Inspection and is
bottled in properly labelled containers, which remain under official
control. Any unused solution is discarded at the end of the working day.

Before the beginning of the work day, and each 200 measurements, the OVI
verifies:

1.  The integrity and cleanliness of the electrode(s) used.

2.  Adjusts the response of the equipment to pH, using two certified
    buffer solutions, at pH 4.0 and pH 7.0.

3.  In case of deviations, the company is advised to re-calibrate the
    equipment. Its use is not authorised until proper functioning is
    verified.

4.  The OVI takes corrective actions with the production processed since
    the last verification:

###### Corrective actions

a)  The meat products already processed are destined to markets without
    pH requirements.

b)  The boxes are identified.

c)  The boxes are stored in a separate cold store, where no goods
    destined to markets with pH requirements may be deposited.

5\. Results of measurements are registered and, if necessary, corrective
actions, in the form "Record of official verification of the calibration
of pH measuring devices for meat".

**ANNEX 4**

Official inspections in holdings and animal concentrations carried out
by the Field Department from the Division of Animal Health during the
period 1998-2001

+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
|                                   | **1   | **1   | **2   | **2   |
|                                   | 998** | 999** | 000** | 001** |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Inspections of holdings (1)       | 1     | 8.126 | 1     | 1     |
|                                   | 0.909 |       | 0.666 | 9.291 |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Inspections of extractions from   | 802   | 587   | 949   | 1.527 |
| interdicted holdings (1) (2)      |       |       |       |       |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Inspections of animal             | 1.628 | 1.261 | 1.344 | 693   |
| concentrations (3)                |       |       |       |       |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Detection of outbreaks (4)        | 555   | 253   | 292   | 2.136 |
|                                   |       |       |       | (5)   |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Sanitary control of interdicted   | 633   | 327   | 478   | 172   |
| holdings                          |       |       |       |       |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Herd dispatch (6)                 | 6.556 | 7.330 | 5.171 | 3.769 |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Sanitary control for exportation  | 1.229 | 206   | 263   | 217   |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| Diary farm inspections (7)        | 353   | 291   | 529   | 241   |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+
| ## TOTALS                         | 2     | 1     | 1     | 2     |
|                                   | 2.665 | 8.381 | 9.692 | 8.046 |
+-----------------------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------+

Source: DSA -- Field Department -- Annual reports

1.  Visits of official veterinarians or technicians

2.  No animals may be taken from a holding interdicted for any reason,
    without previous supervision by the Official Services.

3.  Includes auctions, stock yards, and animal shows.

4.  Includes mange, ticks, lice, brucellosis, tuberculosis, FMD and
    other.

5.  Includes the first visit to holdings with FMD outbreaks.

6.  Under the ticks eradication programme, it includes inspections when
    leaving the holding and at arrival to destination.

7.  On the basis of the qualified milk programme.