A recent alert by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has raised serious concerns about the growing threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), following fresh outbreaks in Europe and the spread of an exotic virus strain into the Near East. These developments have prompted calls for urgent biosecurity measures and enhanced disease surveillance to prevent a larger crisis affecting livestock, trade, and rural livelihoods.
FMD is a fast-spreading viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Though not dangerous to humans, the disease severely affects animal health, often causing fever, painful blisters, and lameness.
Young animals are particularly vulnerable, with some dying from sudden heart failure. While adult animals usually survive, the loss in productivity, such as reduced milk and meat output, can be devastating for farmers and the livestock industry.
The recent detection of FMD serotype SAT1 in Iraq and Bahrain has alarmed experts, as this virus strain is not normally found in the Near East or West Eurasia. Its likely origin in East Africa signals a troubling cross-regional transmission that could spread further if not swiftly contained. Kuwait has also reported cases, and other countries in the region are now at high risk.
Meanwhile, Europe is witnessing its most severe FMD outbreak since 2001. After Germany’s initial detection in January 2025, followed by Hungary and Slovakia in subsequent months, the situation remains tense.
Although Germany has declared itself free of the disease again, the ongoing cases in neighbouring countries have already triggered trade restrictions. The United Kingdom has banned imports of meat and dairy from affected countries, including Austria, due to Hungary’s outbreak.
FMD carries a massive economic burden. Globally, direct losses and vaccination costs in endemic regions amount to around USD 21 billion every year. However, this figure likely underrepresents the full impact, as trade disruptions and losses in rural income further deepen the economic strain.
In India, significant steps have been taken under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) to curb foot-and-mouth disease. During 2024 alone, around 44.57 crore FMD vaccines and 1.6 crore Brucella vaccines were administered nationwide, leading to improved immunity levels and a decline in outbreaks.
Post-vaccination antibody titres have notably increased, indicating greater protection against key FMD serotypes. These efforts have contributed to a steady reduction in reported outbreaks and enhanced livestock health and productivity.
The FAO has recommended immediate steps to control the spread of FMD. These include launching awareness campaigns, enforcing strict biosecurity at farms and markets, promoting targeted vaccination with well-matched strains, and ensuring countries have ready-to-implement contingency plans.
