The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a fresh alert over the continued spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) virus serotype SAT1, warning countries across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen surveillance and preparedness against a potentially severe livestock crisis.
The alert follows the rapid geographical expansion of the SAT1 serotype beyond its traditional sub-Saharan African range into West Asia, Europe and parts of East Asia, with recent detections raising concerns about further transboundary spread.
“The virus has continued to spread at an alarming rate in different directions, with outbreaks confirmed in Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and recently in China,” stated the FAO in its 15 April 2026 alert.
The introduction and spread of this exotic serotype into largely naïve livestock populations have resulted in significant economic and production losses, raising serious concerns about further transboundary spread.
The most immediate risks are linked to the movement of live animals and animal products, including formal and informal trade, as well as to the mixing of animals at markets, in holding areas, and during transport.
A Threat to India’s Livestock Economy
In view of the potential threat, the Government of India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying had begun preparations several months ago. Senior ministry officials are working with state animal husbandry departments and research institutions to develop strategies to address the risk.
Efforts were already underway to make several states FMD-free, but this emerging threat could disrupt those plans. A senior official associated with FMD control told Rural Voice that preventing the disease is crucial not only for livestock and dairy production but also for the related value chain and exports.
The current alert is particularly critical for India and South Asia due to high livestock density, widespread informal animal movement, and increasing mixing of animals across expanding trade networks. Vulnerabilities in pig production systems may further amplify the spread, while the limited availability of SAT1-specific vaccines leaves large livestock populations at risk.
India, home to one of the world’s largest livestock populations, faces heightened vulnerability due to the serotype-specific nature of immunity. While vaccination programs in the country typically target serotypes O, A and Asia1, SAT1 is not included in routine vaccines, leaving large livestock populations immunologically naïve.
Urgent Measures Recommended
FAO has urged countries to take immediate steps to reduce risks. These include strengthening disease surveillance systems, ensuring rapid laboratory confirmation of suspected cases, and enhancing biosecurity at farms, markets and borders.
FAO has also urged countries and territories to strengthen awareness, enhance biosecurity and improve preparedness at national, subnational and community levels. Authorities are advised to review contingency plans, improve awareness among farmers and veterinarians, and enforce stricter controls on animal movement and trade.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Although it does not pose a threat to human health, it has severe impacts on food security, livelihoods, and national and international markets.
There are seven FMD virus serotypes: A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3 and Asia1. Immunity from infection or vaccination is serotype-specific and does not protect against other serotypes. In addition to these serotypes, there are distinct topotypes within each serotype, which can have important implications for vaccine matching and the effectiveness of vaccination strategies.