How many OIE-recognized Foot and Mouth Disease statuses exist?

The correct answer regarding the number of OIE-recognized Foot and Mouth Disease statuses is six. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) classifies the disease based on the status of countries in relation to the presence and management of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The six statuses that are recognized include:

1. Free without vaccination: Countries where FMD is absent and no vaccination is practiced.

2. Free with vaccination: Countries where FMD is absent, but vaccination is used as a precautionary measure.

3. Controlled: Regions where FMD is present but is effectively controlled with vaccination and management strategies in place.

4. Endemic: Regions where FMD is consistently present within the animal population.

5. Suspended: Countries that have been recognized as free but have had recent outbreaks, leading to a temporary suspension of their recognized status.

6. Unknown status: Areas where the presence of FMD is uncertain due to lack of adequate surveillance or reporting.

Understanding these statuses is crucial for international trade and animal health management, as different statuses dictate the level of risk associated with livestock movement and vaccination policies.