Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Major Global Epidemics

Foot-and-mouth disease is a persistent threat to global livestock farming. The disease has caused devastating epidemics since the 20th century in Europe, Asia, and America.

One of the worst outbreaks was in the United Kingdom in 2001, with approximately 6 million animals culled and an estimated cost to the government of over £5 billion. General elections were postponed, and meat exports were halted.

The UK established a national system for sheep identification and registration.

In Germany, cases of foot-and-mouth disease were detected in January of last year after 37 years. The government took measures to isolate and cull animals. By March 12, Germany had regained its 'freedom' status from the virus without vaccination.

Cases also appeared in Hungary and Slovakia, where preventative vaccinations were carried out.

In countries such as India, China, and South Africa, vaccinations are regular due to repeated outbreaks.

Many countries avoid imports from areas where vaccination is practiced, making vaccination a critical point for trade.

Watch the report by Eleni Michael: