Prevalence Of Foot And Mouth Disease Research Articles

Foot-and-mouth disease seroprevalence is higher in young female crossbred sheep and goats compared to their counterparts in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease in ruminants that causes significant economic losses worldwide. However, the prevalence of FMD virus (FMDV) in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats in the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. 800 sheep and goats belongs to age groups of 6 month to > 2 years. A total of 800 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 424) and goats (n = 376) and subjected to structural protein (SP) and 3ABC non-SP (NSP) ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against SP and NSP of the FMDV. For NSP, 340/800 (42.5%) of samples were positive, while SP analysis revealed that serotype O (44.5%) was the most common in sheep and goats, followed by Asia-1 (42%) and A (32%) serotypes. Sheep (39%; 95% CI, 34 to 44) had a higher (P < .05) prevalence of FMD than goats (46%; 95% CI, 41 to 51). Statistically significant (P < .05) differences in the seroprevalence of FMD-SP and FMD-NSPs were observed between various agencies (areas) of the study area. Risk factors such as age, sex, breed, season, flock size, body condition, animal movement, and production system were significantly (P < .05) associated with FMDV prevalence. This study showed that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Therefore, outbreak investigation teams should be arranged at the border level to develop FMD risk-based surveillance and control plans for small ruminants in order to mitigate infection risks.

Spatial and temporal distribution of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in Algeria from 2014 to 2022.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a major transboundary animal ailment in Algeria, is a serious economic burden on the livestock sector. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of FMD in Algeria and identifies the factors contributing to this phenomenon. Data on FMD cases occurring in Algeria from 2014 to 2022 were collected from various sources, including archives at the Ministry of Agriculture, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, reference laboratory reports, and unpublished scientific reports. The data were compiled and analyzed using MS Office Excel® and SPSS® software. A total of 22,690 FMD cases and 1,141 outbreaks were reported in Algeria between 2014 and 2022. The apex of infections occurred in 2014 (34.5%), followed by an increase in the number of infections in 2019 and 2017. The prevalence of FMD extended to 91.6% of the districts of the country, particularly in the north (center) and eastern regions. Cows were the most affected, with 654 outbreaks and more than 3,665 cases. Although FMD affected all four regions, there was a statistically significant long-term decline in the incidence. These spatial and temporal trends underscore the robust disease control methodologies implemented by the Algerian government, such as the strategic immunization of livestock to fortify their viral resistance, stringent constraints on animal mobility, and enlightenment of farmers regarding the hazards associated with unrestricted livestock movement to effectively curb FMD dissemination.

Epidemiological Study of Cardinal Signs and Reasonable Antibiotic Usage in FMD at Bagherpara Upazila in Jashore District

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a viral disease that is epitheliotropic and transboundary, affecting cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and wild animals all over the world. Due to lower productivity and higher mortality in calves, this highly contagious disease causes significant economic loss. The study was conducted to identify clinical signs, management, complications, and prevalence of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) in cattle for five months at Bagherpara Upazila, Jashore. A total of 66 cattle of both sexes were investigated clinically. The impact of season, breed, age, sex, and purpose of keeping cattle on disease incidence was investigated. In December, the prevalence of FMD was higher (27.27%). Crossbreds (71.21%) were discovered to be more vulnerable than local breeds (28.79%). Male and adult cattle were found to have a significantly higher prevalence of the disease than females and young cattle. Clinical observations of cattle affected by foot-and-mouth disease showed fever, salivation, erosive lesions in the oral mucosa and the interdigital region of the foot, and lameness. In complicated FMD cases, the antibacterial drug might be advised for clinical use to control secondary bacterial infection. Sulphadimidine, Ampicillin, and Oxytetracycline, as well as other supportive drugs, were used to treat the patient whereas the recovery rate was 90.91%, 77.27%, and 68.18%, respectively. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 327-334

Epidemiological Assessment of Bovine Foot and Mouth Disease in different Sized Herds and among Species and Breed in Tamil Nadu, India

The dairy industry encounters substantial challenges due to livestock diseases that pose a threat to farmers' livelihood, food security and economy. Among the bovine diseases, Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is most contagious and economically important. Epidemiological survey was conducted among dairy farmers and the results indicated that the prevalence of FMD was more in large herds (6.58%) followed by medium (6.32%) and small herds (5.55%).The mortality rates were more in large herds (1.15%) than medium (0.91%), and small herds (0.85%). Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was higher in large herds (16.92%) compared to medium (14.03%) and small herds (12.50%).However, the prevalence, mortality and CFR did not vary significantly (P&gt;.05) between different herd sizes. Among breeds, the prevalence of FMD was high in indigenous cattle (8.63%) followed by crossbreds (6.32%) and buffaloes (3.09%) and the difference was significant (χ2=9.04; P=.01). The mortality rate was higher in crossbreds (1.42%) compared to indigenous breeds (0.45%) but non-significant (P&gt;.05). Notably, the CFR was significantly higher (Fischer’s exact=5.531; P=.02) in crossbreds (22.61%) than in indigenous breeds (5.26%). To avoid sporadic incidences, it is essential to enhance vaccination coverage, biosecurity measures, farmers’ awareness, treatment facilities, movement restrictions and quarantine practices.

Epidemiological Surveillance and Mutational Pattern Analysis of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Bangladesh during 2012–2021

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cloven-hoofed animals is considered an economically devastating disease in endemic countries like Bangladesh, where the livestock sector contributes to a greater portion of the nation’s economy. The causative agent of the disease, foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), equipped with higher mutational frequency challenges the efficacy of the existing vaccine and control measures. This study, including 32 districts and 71 outbreaks to reveal epidemiological patterns and mutational trends of FMDV over the past 10 years (2012–2021), reported a 54.7% prevalence of FMD, with the majority of outbreaks occurring during the rainy season. Different risk factors such as age, gender, farming system, and vaccination status demonstrated a significant association with FMD cases which was confirmed by the χ2 test ( p &lt; 0.05 ). VP1 sequence analyses reported the predominance of serotype O (85%) over serotype A (11%) and serotype Asia 1 (4%). Bangladesh has foreseen the emergence of several novel FMDV strains during this decade. Novel sublineages, Ind-2001BD1 (Ind-2001e) and Ind-2001BD2, were reported under serotype O, the G-IX lineage of serotype Asia 1 emerged in 2018, and most recently in 2021, a new genotype named MYMBD21 under the lineage SA-2018 was detected for the first time in Bangladesh. Until now, Ind-2001e (Ind-2001BD1) sublineage under serotype O became the predominant sublineage in Bangladesh. From the mutational trend analysis, highly variable sites were observed at positions 138 and 140 within the G-H loop for serotype O. For serotype A and Asia 1, 45th and 44th residues within the B-C loop showed the highest amino acid variations, respectively. A changing mutational pattern among the 2019–2021 FMDV O and A isolates was also observed. The findings of the study would be crucial to understand the FMD situation and designing necessary preventive steps according to the progressive control pathway for FMD control in Bangladesh.

The prevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in Asia.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is listed among the highly contagious diseases in animals and is endemic throughout the Asian continent. The disease is caused by the Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and affects a wide variety of domesticated animals as well as wild ungulates. Clinically, the disease is described as a vesicular lesion on the tongue, muzzle, lips, gum, dental pad, interdigital cleft, coronary band, and heel of the foot. Sometimes these lesions give rise to lameness. Mastitis is also caused due to teat lesions. A biochemical test reveals that during FMD infection, there are elevated levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-6, serum amyloid A protein, lactoferrin, mannose-binding lectin, and monocytes chemo-attractant protein-1 in the serum of infected animals. There is no specific treatment for FMD although some antivirals are given as prophylaxis and antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection. This review presents comprehensive data on the prevalence of FMD and serotypes of FMDV that are attributable to the cause of FMD from a regional point of view. It also explains the worldwide dynamics of the seven serotypes of FMD and tries to identify epidemiological clusters of FMD in various geographical areas. Furthermore, the pathology associated with the foot and mouth disease virus along with the pathophysiology is discussed. The continent-wide prevalence and diversity patterns of FMD suggest that there is a need for stringent policies and legislation implementation regarding research and development aimed at manufacturing strain-specific vaccination, infection prevention, and control of the disease.

Prevalence, distribution and epidemiological risk factors of foot-and-mouth disease among the cattle population of Bangladesh: A meta-analysis

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating viral infection of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease turned into an endemic in Bangladesh causing prodigious impairment to the nation’s economy and livestock population. For further usage, developing a detailed summary of the disease condition in Bangladesh is imperative. Hence, this study identified the prevalence of FMD among cattle populations accompanying by potential risk factors and climatic variables. Using the Jamvoi 1.2.27 software, the authors analysed 30 studies for estimating the random model effect function. Based on the meta-analysis, the overall pooled prevalence of FMD was 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15-35%). The research professed a significant difference between the prevalence rate of males (33%, CI: 22-45%) and females (26%, CI: 14-39%). Moreover, the study reported a noteworthy line of the tendency for the increasing rate of prevalence in adult and old animals than in young individuals. Furthermore, the results showed high prevalence rates in dry season compared to wet season. Thus, this study will permit the government to implement an immediate control program. Moreover, each data gathered will help the prevention of FMD.

Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in Indonesia: Summary and Implications

This Watching Brief details a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in livestock in Indonesia. The outbreak, first reported in May 2022, is causing significant socioeconomic, animal health and biosecurity concerns in a country that has been FMD-free without vaccination since 1986. Delayed index case notification, difficulties with vaccination (e.g. accessibility issues, waning vaccine immunity and lack of cross-protection), limited understanding of persistent infection in carrier animals and lengthy restocking processes all present challenges for Indonesia in containing and recovering from this FMD outbreak. Thus, despite extensive research, the disease continues to present substantial challenges for outbreak prevention, surveillance and containment, which have important implications considering the widespread global prevalence of FMD and its impact on agriculture and trade in many countries. The socioeconomic burden of the current outbreak in Indonesia on individuals, households and communities is devastating, particularly in poor and rural areas. These impacts will likely continue after the outbreak is over, highlighting the need for co-ordinated support in strengthening outbreak detection and control in FMD-affected and other vulnerable areas.

Foot and mouth disease prevalence in cattle and buffaloes from India determined by systematic review and meta-analysis

In the present study, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) prevalence in cattle and buffaloes from India was determined by employing systematic review and meta-analysis. The FMD prevalence studies (73) reported during 1986-2021 were obtained from online databases, offline literatures and meta-analysis by using meta package in R-Software was done. The pooled FMD prevalence in India was 43% (95% level CI 35-52%, PI 3-94%) obtained by using 5,00,267 samples. Period-wise analysis revealed a higher prevalence of 68% during 1986-2000 than recent years. A higher FMD prevalence in east zone (59%), and lower in central zone (24%) was observed. Among 19 states, a higher prevalence of FMD was detected in Rajasthan (81%) and lower in Andaman and Nicobar (3%). Species-wise analysis indicated a higher prevalence in cattle (45%) than buffaloes (30%). The method-wise analysis revealed a higher prevalence in antigen detection (49%) than the antibody detection (42%) methods. The FMD seroprevalence was 59% against the FMD vaccination obtained by liquid phase blocking ELISA. In India, a higher FMD prevalence by serotype O (64%) than other serotypes was observed. Thus, the higher FMD prevalence zone, states, species, methods and serotypes identified may be employed by policy makers for making informed decisions to maximise the use of scarce resources available. There was a decreasing trend in FMD prevalence in the recent years, however, need is there to prevent FMD by vaccination to move in the progressive control pathway stages. This will help in increasing export trade and eventually result in economic benefits to dairy farmers

Risk Factor Assessment, Sero-Prevalence, and Genotyping of the Virus That Causes Foot-and-Mouth Disease on Commercial Farms in Ethiopia from October 2018 to February 2020

A cross-sectional serological, active outbreak search and a questionnaire-based survey were carried out to investigate foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) sero-epidemiology in Ethiopia. The circulating serotype of the FMD virus (FMDV) was identified, and the knowledge regarding FMD and husbandry practices was assessed. Using the questionnaire survey, a total of 237 individuals were interviewed, and the majority responded that there is no practice of reporting disease outbreak, free in and out movement of livestock, or share pastures, and they use traditional case management as a means of controlling the disease. A total of 1938 cattle, 490 domestic small ruminants, and 426 swine were sampled randomly for serological analysis using the 3ABC non-structural protein (NSP) enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. An overall prevalence of 25% in cattle, 5% in domestic small ruminants, and 2% in swine was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that cattle from the Oromia, Tigray, and Amhara regions had the highest probability of being sero-positive as compared with Addis Ababa odds ratio(OR)(OR: 4 (95% confidence interval (CI)(CI [3–6], 3 (95% CI [2,5]), and 2 (95% CI 2 [1,3]), respectively)). Older cattle (older than three years) and domestic small ruminants (&gt;18 months) had a higher chance of being seropositive (OR: 2, 95% CI [1.6,3]) and (OR: 6, 95% CI [2,18]), respectively). Female and older swine older than three years of age had a higher chance of being sero-positive (p &lt; 0.05). Local breed cattle had the lowest chance (OR: 0.2. 95% CI [0.1–0.3]) of being sero-positive. A region, age, and breed proved to have a statistically significant association with sero-positivity (p &lt; 0.05) in cattle. Swine from Bishoftu were less likely to test positive than swine from Addis Ababa (OR: 0.04, 95% CI [0.01–0.3]). From 96 herds, 72 pooled outbreak samples were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), virus isolation, serotyping (antigen enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA)), sequencing, and phylogenetic tree analysis. Six serotype A (G-IV) FMD viruses and three serotype O east African (EA-3 and EA-4) FMDVs were identified. Thus, this study established the lack of disease outbreak reporting, poor husbandry problems, and the prevalence of FMD in three domestic species (cattle, small ruminant, and swine). In addition, continuous circulation of serotype A and O in the study area was confirmed.

Investigation of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Dairy Cattle from Kageshwari and Shankharapur Municipalities, of Kathmandu, Nepal and Associated Risk Factors from March to April 2020

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Nepal and significantly impacts the livelihood of farmers, national economy, and trade of Nepal. However, outbreak investigations are not frequently conducted, and there have been limited studies to understand the associated risk factors. A case-control study was performed in dairy cattle farms of Shankharapur and Kageshwari Municipalities, Kathmandu from March to April 2020 to describe the outbreak and identify the risk factors associated with FMD. There were 31 case farms, while 62 farms were selected as control farms (1:2). The information from case and control farms was collected by semi-structured questionnaire survey through field visits and observations. The univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed. The farm-level prevalence of FMD was 25.2% (n=31/123). Among the FMD affected farms, the proportion of positive farms in Shankharapur (61.3% (19/31)) was significantly higher than Kageshwori (38.7% (12/31)). The final multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four variables: cattle purchased within 14 days (OR=12.9; CI=2.4-69.5), milk market distance less than two kilometers from the farm (OR=32.7; CI=5.8-186.3), sharing of the bull from other farms for natural insemination (OR=5.7; CI=1.2-26.8), and no vaccination against FMD in the past six months (OR=19.1; CI=2.0-186.2) as significant risk factors for the occurrence of FMD. This study suggests farmers vaccinate their dairy cattle with FMD vaccine as per the vaccination schedule suggested by the veterinarians, practice quarantine measures when new animals are introduced to their farms, practice biosecurity measures in their farms, and do not use bulls from areas where there are ongoing FMD outbreaks.

Estimating the number of farms experienced foot and mouth disease outbreaks using capture-recapture methods

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is recognized as an endemic disease in Thailand and throughout other countries in Southeast Asia. The underreporting of FMD outbreaks has affected the true status of the disease. This study aimed to determine the number of dairy farms in Chiang Mai that had experienced FMD outbreaks (FMD outbreak farm) during 2015-2016 using capture-recapture (CR) methods. Two independent FMD outbreak data sources including data from the livestock authorities and survey questionnaires were analyzed using Chapman estimator and Chao estimator. Results showed that the estimated number of FMD outbreak farms was 264 (95% CI = 250, 277) and 273 (95% CI = 259, 292) farms based on the Chapman estimator and Chao estimator, respectively. The estimated prevalence of FMD corresponding to the Chapman estimator was lower than the Chao estimator. The active approach of the survey method offered a higher degree of sensitivity compared to the passive method used by the livestock authorities. Estimations from the CR method provided an upper bound for the true number of outbreak farms. This study demonstrated the use of the CR method to estimate the true status of FMD outbreaks. Our proposed approach can potentially be used as a tool to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of established monitoring and surveillance systems.

Retrospective study of foot and mouth disease in cattle at Babugonj upazila of Barisal district

The present study was conducted in Babuganj Upazila Veterinary Hospital, Barisal during the period from September 2015 to August 2017 to observe the prevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). A total of 727 animals were examined during this period and 158 cases were found positive to FMD, so the proportionate prevalence of FMD was 21.73% (n=158) at Babugonj Upazila. The effect of age, sex, breed and season on the prevalence of the disease was discussed. The proportinate prevalence of FMD was highest in the month of December and January. The males (432 males, 109 affected, prevalence 25.23%) were more susceptible than females (295 female, 49 affected, prevalence 16.61%). The Older cattle (more than 4 years old) were more susceptible to FMD (29.88%) compared to adult (2 to 4 years; 19.53%) and younger (less than 2 years old; 8.62%). Moreover, FMD is more frequent among indigenous breeds (27.90%) than crossed breeds (13.91%). The findings from this study can be used as baseline epidemiological data for further research to understand the epidemiology of FMD in Barisal.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(1): 43-48, April 2018

History of Foot-and-mouth disease in North African countries.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious and contagious transboundary viral disease of domesticated and wild cloven-hoofed animals. Wide prevalence of FMD in Asia and Africa associated with huge economic losses to livestock farming and industry prompted global concern. The present review summarizes the state of the art research in epidemiology, diagnosis, and surveillance of FMD in the North African countries. Even if the situation varies across the North African states, FMD is still a key factor affecting livestock production in this part of the world. Historically, 4 serotypes have circulated in North Africa (O, A, SAT2, and C) with type O being the most prevalent serotype, followed by serotype A. However, the rapid spread of SAT2 lineages from Libya to Egypt in 2012 and the O lineages from Libya to Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco between 2014 and 2015 demonstrated the need for a robust surveillance system to detect and respond effectively to exotic infections. Emergence and re-emergence of FMD virus genotypes/lineages have been detected engendering the need to replace vaccine strains quite frequently.

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Cross-sectional study was conducted from December, 2008 to April, 2009 to determine the sero prevalence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus in West and South West Shoa zones of Oromia regional state, central Ethiopia. The samples were processed with the 3 ABC ELISA kits that can able to identify natural infected animal from vaccinated animals. From the total sera of 421 tested, the overall sero prevalence of FMD in cattle was 15.0% (63/421). The prevalence rate was higher (22%) in the South west shoa zone than West shoa zone (5.6%). The difference was statistically significant (&rho;&lt;0.05). At district level, the highest sero prevalence were recorded at Dawo (26.7%), Alemgana (26.2%), Kokir (24.4%) and Haramaya (21.4%) districts, which were located at south west shoa zone. The difference among districts were statistically significant (&rho;&lt;0.05). Statistically difference was also observed between different age groups (&rho;&lt;0.05); being higher in adult (19.3%) followed by calves (9.3%). The sero prevalence of male and female were 16.0 and 14.1%, respectively, and which was not statistically significant (&rho;&gt;0.05). The sero prevalence of FMD was found higher in mid highland (16.8%) than highland attitude (6.7%) which was statistically significant (&rho;&lt;0.05). The result of this study indicated that FMD is highly prevalent in the South West Shoa zone than West Shoa zone due to contact of different origin of animals, and free animals movement in search of feed and water in zone. Age and attitude were also found as an important risk factor for the diseases. Finally, it is recommended that, sero typing of the virus circulating in the study area should be undertaken for effective control of the disease. Key words: FMD, Sero prevalence, West Shoa, South west shoa, 3 ABC ELSA.

PREVALENCE OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE AT CHUADANGA SADAR UPAZILLA IN BANGLADESH

A study on clinical observation, management and complication of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in cattle was carried out in Chuadanga sadar upazilla during 24 weeks period from July 2012 to January 2013. Clinical data were collected from 108 cattle of both sexes. The effect of season, breed, age, sex and purpose of keeping cattle on the incidence of the disease was analyzed. Seasonal variation of the disease was significant. Crossbred was found to be more susceptible than local breed. The prevalence of the disease was found significantly higher in male than female. The clinical prevalence of FMD increased in the month of November (31.48%). The prevalence of FMD in other months varies from 5-21%. Clinical observation of FMD affected cattle showed fever, anorexia, salivation and erosive lesion on oral mucosa and inter digital region of foot. Antibacterial drug could be recommended for clinical practice to control secondary bacterial infection in complicated FMD cases.

Comparative study of foot and mouth disease in apparently healthy Awassi sheep using different diagnostic tests in Jordan

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an extremely contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed domesticated as well as wild animals and has a great potential for causing severe economic losses. Four hundred blood samples were collected randomly from different sheep flocks from august to September 2010 from northern region of Jordan. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of FMD in apparently healthy Awassi sheep and com- pared the hematological changes of those infected animals with their normal uninfected counterparts. The prevalence of FMD was 3%, 4.25% and 51% by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR and competitive ELISA, respectively. There was significant increase in packed cell volume and eosinophils percentage in FMD positive group by ELISA. There were no significant differences in the other hematological parameters examined. In general FMD is endemic and widely spread among apparently healthy Awassi sheep that affects the economical progress in Jordan and other countries. This needs an international intervention to stop and control this disease.

Molecular investigation of foot-and-mouth disease virus in domestic bovids from Gharbia, Egypt

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affecting cattle and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) occurred in Egypt during 2012/2013. The present study was undertaken to determine the current strains of the FMD virus (FMDV) and the prevalence of FMD among cattle and buffalo in Gharbia, Egypt. The diagnostic sensitivity of two RT-PCR assays for the detection of FMDV was evaluated. The results revealed that SAT2 was the causative agent. The percentage of infected of animals varied with the detection method, ranging from 62.5 % by the untranslated region (UTR) RT-PCR to 75.6 % by SAT2 RT-PCR. The overall prevalence and mortality rates were 100 and 21 %, respectively. The mortality was higher in buffalo (23.3 %) than it was in cattle (17 %). A partial sequence of SAT2 was identical (90-100 %) to Egyptian isolates and was close in similarity to sequences from Sudan and Libya. In conclusion, FMD in Egypt is caused by SAT2. No other serotypes were detected. The results of this study provided the valuable data regarding the epidemiology of SAT2 in cattle and water buffalo from Egypt, which strengthens the need to change the strategies of both control and prevention that help to prevent the spread of the disease.

Detection and Seroprevalence of Foot and Mouth Disease in Sheep and Goats in Punjab, Pakistan

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of ruminants that causes huge economic losses around the globe. However, the prevalence of FMDV in small ruminants has been overlooked in Pakistan. A seroepidemiological study was conducted in Chakwal, Faisalabad and Khanewal districts of Punjab, Pakistan to determine the prevalence of FMD in sheep and goats. A total 1200 serum samples were collected from sheep (n = 180) and goats (n = 920) and were subjected to 3ABC non-structural protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies against non-structural proteins of FMD virus. Samples collected from clinical cases were also confirmed for FMDV using RT-PCR. The overall seroprevalence of FMD in sheep and goats was 21% (n = 252) while 19.44% (n = 35) in sheep and 21.27% (n = 217) prevalence was recorded in goats. Highest seroprevalence (32.5%) was observed in southern Punjab (Khanewal), followed by (25.75%) central Punjab (Faisalabad) and the lowest seroprevalence (4.75%) was detected in northern Punjab (Chakwal). There was no statistically significant difference in seroprevalence between sheep and goats. Among different risk factors tested, age and sex were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of disease while pregnancy and herd type had no association with the prevalence of the disease. This study illustrate that FMD is highly prevalent in sheep and goats in Punjab. Therefore, a broader study is needed to ascertain the countrywide prevalence of FMD in small ruminants.

Serological Evidence Indicates that Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O, C and SAT1 are most Dominant in Eritrea

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic in Eritrea and in most parts of Africa. To be able to control FMD using vaccination, information on the occurrence of various foot-and-mouth disease serotypes in Eritrea is needed. In this cross-sectional study, 212 sera samples were collected from FMD infected and recovered animals in Eritrea. These samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against FMD non-structural proteins (NSP) and neutralizing antibodies against six of the seven (all but SAT 3) serotypes of FMD virus (FMDV). Of these, 67.0% tested positive to non-structural protein antibodies in the FMD NS ELISA. By virus neutralization, FMDV serotype O antibodies were shown to be the most dominant (approximately 50%). Virus neutralization test results indicate that infection with serotype C and SAT 1 might have occurred, although there are no reports of isolation of these two serotypes. Because the samples were not randomly selected, further random serological surveillance in all age group animals is necessary both to estimate the prevalence of FMD in the country and to confirm the serological results with serotype C and SAT 1.