World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has issued an urgent global alert over the unprecedented international spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT 1, marking a significant shift from its traditional confinement to Africa. The disease has now spread across Southern Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, affecting even countries that were previously disease-free.
This evolving epidemiological situation poses a serious threat to animal health, food security, rural livelihoods, and global trade, highlighting the need for sustained vigilance and coordinated international action.
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
- FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and wildlife such as buffalo and deer.
- Caused By: an aphthovirus belonging to Picornaviridae family. Although it is rarely fatal in adult animals, it leads to severe economic losses due to reduced productivity and trade restrictions.
Nature of Current Outbreak (SAT-1)
- The SAT 1 serotype has expanded beyond its historical African range, indicating a major epidemiological shift.
- The spread is largely driven by unregulated animal movement and informal livestock trade networks.
- Livestock markets and holding areas act as high-risk zones where animals from different sources mix, amplifying transmission.
Transmission and Vectors
FMD spreads rapidly through multiple pathways due to the virus’s high resilience:
- Direct Contact: Through saliva, urine, dung, or fluid from blisters of infected animals.
- Mechanical Vectors: Humans, clothing, boots, vehicles, farm equipment, and tyres can carry the virus.
- Infected Products: Contaminated milk, uncooked food scraps, or biological materials (e.g., semen).
- Airborne Transmission: Under favourable climatic conditions, the virus can spread via wind over long distances.
Clinical Features
- Initial Symptoms: High fever
- Characteristic Signs:
- Vesicles (blisters) on tongue, lips, mouth, and hooves
- Excessive salivation
- Lameness and difficulty in movement
- Production Losses: Sharp decline in milk yield
- Mortality:
- Rare in adults
- High in young animals due to myocarditis (heart inflammation)
Key Biological Characteristics
- Seven Serotypes: O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3, Asia 1
- No Cross-Immunity: Immunity to one serotype does not protect against others
- Carrier State: Recovered ruminants can carry the virus in the throat for months
Treatment and Control Measures
There is no specific cure for FMD; control focuses on prevention:
- Vaccination: Use of serotype-specific inactivated vaccines
- Biosecurity Measures:
- Movement restrictions
- Disinfection of vehicles and equipment
- Quarantine of new animals
- Culling (Stamping-Out Policy):
- Infected and at-risk animals are culled to break transmission chains
Global Significance
- Animal Health: Rapid spread threatens livestock populations
- Food Security: Reduced production of milk and meat
- Livelihoods: Severe impact on farmers and rural economies
- International Trade: Major barrier due to strict sanitary standards
Government Initiatives (India)
India has strengthened regulatory and technological frameworks to tackle animal diseases with NANDI (NOC Approval for New Drug and Inoculation System) Portal.
Developed by Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
Significance of NANDI Portal
- Streamlines approval of veterinary drugs and vaccines
- Enhances transparency and efficiency
- Integrates with the CDSCOS’s SUGAM portal for seamless processing
- Promotes livestock health and industry growth
- Facilitates coordination among government bodies and research institutions
About CDSCO
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization is India’s National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for drugs and medical devices.
- Works under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
- Headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Key Functions
- Approval of new drugs
- Conduct of clinical trials
- Setting drug standards
- Regulation of imported drug quality