• The recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe and the introduction of an exotic virus strain into the Near East underscore the urgent need for early detection and enhanced biosecurity measures to minimise the impacts of the disease, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

• FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and various wild species. 

• Recently, the FMD virus was detected in Europe, which is normally free of the disease and is now experiencing its worst outbreak since 2001. 

• Germany detected an outbreak in January 2025 but has since been declared free of the disease. 

• However, a separate incursion into Hungary a month later, with subsequent outbreaks in Slovakia, has persisted. 

• As an example of the impact of FMD on international trade, the United Kingdom government has banned the import of meat or dairy products from European countries where the virus has been detected, as well as Austria due to an outbreak in neighbouring Hungary.

• Although FMD is endemic in the Near East, there has been a recent upsurge in outbreaks caused by an exotic serotype that was likely introduced from East Africa. 

• So far, cases have been reported by Bahrain, Iraq and Kuwait, though other countries in the Near East and West Eurasia regions are at a high risk of being affected.

• Many strains of the FMD virus continue to circulate in different parts of the world, and the recent outbreaks in both Europe and the Near East highlight the ongoing risk this disease poses to livelihoods, food security and safe trade. 

• While all governments are urged to be vigilant, the FAO said affected and high-risk countries should consider awareness-raising measures among farmers and communities to protect livestock. 

• Other recommendations include biosecurity measures such as separating sick animals from other livestock and having them examined by professionals, alongside checking vaccination records and verifying FMD contingency plans.

What is foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)?

• Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.

• The organism which causes FMD is an aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae. There are seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1) which are endemic in different countries worldwide. Each strain requires a specific vaccine to provide immunity to a vaccinated animal.

• All seven of the serotypes have also been found in wildlife, although the latter does not play a significant role in the maintenance of the disease.

• FMD is characterised by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. 

• The disease causes severe production losses, and while the majority of affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weakened and debilitated.

• FMD is found in all excretions and secretions from infected animals. Notably, these animals breathe out a large amount of aerosolised virus, which can infect other animals via the respiratory or oral routes. The virus may be present in milk and semen for up to four days before the animal shows clinical signs of disease.

• Intensively reared animals are more susceptible to the disease than traditional breeds. 

• The disease is rarely fatal, except in the case of very young animals, which may die without showing any symptoms. Exceptionally, a severe form of the disease may cause sudden deaths among older stock.

• The after-effects of FMD are serious. Affected animals lose condition and secondary bacterial infections may prolong convalescence. The most serious effects of the disease however are seen in dairy cattle. Loss of milk yield will certainly be experienced. 

• FMD is endemic in several parts of Asia and in most of Africa and the Middle East. Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Central and North America, and continental Western Europe are currently free of FMD. However, FMD is a transboundary animal disease that can occur sporadically in any typically free area.

• While not a public health threat, FMD severely impacts animal health and welfare, food security and livelihoods by reducing livestock productivity, including through lower milk and meat yields.

• The economic losses are substantial, with global direct production losses and vaccination costs in endemic regions estimated to be $21 billion annually. 

• However, the true economic burden of FMD is likely much higher when factoring in the disruptions to both international and local trade. These impacts can have a devastating effect on rural communities and businesses that depend on livestock.

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