Risk Analysis for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the State of Bahia, 2022 and 2023

Abstract

The concept of epidemiological risk is essential for managing infectious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, requiring constant reassessment of conceptual foundations and adherence to the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) (Leal, Mascarenhas, Alves, 2022). This study aimed to identify priority municipalities and Territories in Bahia for preventive actions, based on the Strategic Plan of Brazil's National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Surveillance Program (PNEFA). The results indicated that most municipalities exhibit up to three risk factors, except for Teodoro Sampaio, which has six factors. A 14.6% reduction was observed in the number of municipalities with more than three risk factors compared to the previous year, showing a positive trend. Although the average risk decreased in several Identity Territories, regions such as Vale do Jiquiriçá, Extremo Sul, and Semiárido Nordeste II still perform below the average. Issues such as the absence of disease notifications, insufficient agricultural transit inspection, and the entry of animals from other states remain, highlighting the challenges for animal health and safety in Bahia.