Azerbaijan health ministry denies foot-and-mouth disease cases among humans

Azerbaijan’s health ministry said there have been no cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among humans in the country in the past 30 years, following media reports of outbreaks among animals in some regions.

The ministry noted that FMD is a zoonotic disease that can spread to humans mainly through direct contact with infected cloven-hoofed animals or consumption of raw animal products.

“There is no specific treatment for foot-and-mouth disease. In cases identified among livestock, culling with sanitary measures and proper heat treatment of meat products are recommended,” the ministry said.

It advised farms to strictly follow veterinary and sanitary rules and the public to avoid consuming raw or insufficiently cooked animal products.