Home / Science / FMD SAT-1: Europe & Middle East See Rare Virus Return
FMD SAT-1: Europe & Middle East See Rare Virus Return
13 Sep
Summary
- Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral illness impacting livestock.
- SAT-1, a rare FMD serotype, is reappearing in Europe and Middle East after 60 years.
- National Animal Disease Control Programme uses vaccination to combat FMD.
After approximately 60 years, a serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), known as SAT-1, is re-emerging in parts of Europe and the Middle East. This significant viral illness, highly contagious among livestock, is now appearing in countries where it was previously undetected. FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing painful symptoms and substantial economic losses through reduced milk production and trade embargoes.
The SAT-1 serotype has traditionally been associated with southern Africa. Its recent detection in numerous countries, including Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Israel, Cyprus, Palestine, China, Mongolia, Türkiye, Lebanon, and Greece, has placed it back on animal health authorities' radar. There is no specific antiviral treatment, with management focusing on supportive care and preventing further transmission.
In India, the National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosis (NADCP) was launched in 2019. This central government-funded scheme aims to control and eradicate FMD through large-scale vaccination drives, alongside measures to control Bovine Brucellosis. Financial support and central procurement of vaccines are provided to states to strengthen cold chain infrastructure and raise awareness.
