Investigation of FMD Outbreak in District Bulandsahar, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of cloven footed animals. It is known to be endemic in India, with periodic outbreaks occurring in different geographical areas of the country. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of FMD virus (FMDV) in reported FMD-suspected cases and the secondary bacteria known to accompany FMD and to find the reason for high mortality rate. Blood samples were collected from affected animals of Shekhupur raura village of district Bulandsahar and examined for presence of antibodies against FMDV. The possible common sources of the outbreak might be the introduction of infected cattle and buffaloes from the cattle market and commingling of animals with those of infected neighbouring villages. As mass vaccination of animals (cattle and buffaloes) against Foot-and-mouth disease in Uttar Pradesh is going on, the occurrence of FMD in this area is a matter of great concern. This report appeals to the national and state authorities to impose strict regulations related to livestock movement and further improve monitoring and surveillance programme.