Why Does Foot-and-Mouth Disease Remain a Global Threat to Livestock and Trade?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral illness that affects more than seventy species of cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and many wild animals. It spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected animals, but also through the air or contaminated objects. The virus responsible can survive for long periods in cool, humid environments, making its eradication difficult.

This disease has major economic consequences. In regions where it is endemic, annual losses are estimated between $6.5 and $21 billion, mainly due to decreased milk production, stunted animal growth, and trade restrictions. Exporting countries, such as Australia or the United States, invest billions to prevent its introduction, as an outbreak could cost up to $20 billion in direct losses and disruptions to international trade.

The foot-and-mouth disease virus exists in seven distinct forms, called serotypes, which do not provide cross-protection. This diversity makes it difficult to create universal vaccines. Serotypes O and A are the most widespread globally, while others, such as SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3, are mainly present in Africa. In Asia, the simultaneous circulation of multiple serotypes and their rapid evolution pose a constant challenge for vaccination programs.

Strategies to combat foot-and-mouth disease vary by region. In endemic countries, routine vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and biosecurity measures are essential to reduce the spread of the virus. Disease-free countries rely on strict border controls, animal movement restrictions, and the culling of infected herds to prevent reintroduction. However, current vaccines have limitations: their protection is short-lived, they require a rigorous cold chain, and they do not always prevent the persistence of the virus in some animals.

Climate change is also worsening the situation. Higher temperatures and increased humidity favor the virus’s survival in the environment, while specific weather conditions can facilitate its airborne spread over long distances. In Africa, Asia, and South America, where the disease is still present, these factors make control even more complex.

International cooperation is crucial to limit the impact of foot-and-mouth disease. Organizations like the World Organisation for Animal Health play a key role in setting standards, coordinating surveillance, and supporting countries in strengthening their veterinary services. Despite progress, gaps remain, particularly in early detection, vaccine coverage, and the management of wild animal reservoirs.

To sustainably reduce this threat, it is necessary to improve vaccines, strengthen surveillance, and adapt control strategies to local realities. An integrated approach, combining prevention, rapid response, and international collaboration, remains essential to protect animal health, food security, and global trade.

Bibliographie

Source de l’étude

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s44370-026-00040-5

Titre : Global synthesis of serotype diversity transmission dynamics and socioeconomic impacts of foot and mouth disease

Revue : Discover Viruses

Éditeur : Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Auteurs : Gezani Piet Mabunda; Letlhogonolo Selaledi; Ndivho Nemukondeni

Source de l’image

Source de l’image non disponible