Epidemiology and National Surveillance System for Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle in Thailand during 2008–2019

Abstract

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a prominent transboundary disease that threatens livestock production and can disrupt the trade in animals and animal products at both regional and international levels. The aims of this study were: (1) to analyze the distribution of FMD in Thailand during the period of 2008 to 2019, (2) to outline a national surveillance approach, and (3) to identify the existing knowledge gap that is associated with this disease in relation to cattle production. We analyzed FMD outbreak data in order to determine the existing spatial and temporal trends and reviewed relevant publications and official documents that helped us outline a national surveillance program. There were 1209 FMD outbreaks in cattle farms during the study period. FMD outbreaks occurred every year throughout the study period in several regions. Notably, FMD serotype O and A were considered the predominant types. The FMD National Strategic Plan (2008–2015) and the national FMD control program (2016–2023) have been implemented in order to control this disease. The surveillance approach employed by livestock authorities included both active and passive surveillance techniques. The vaccination program was applied to herds of cattle 2–3 times per year. Additionally, numerous control measures have been implemented across the country. We have identified the need for a study on the assessment of an applicable surveillance program, the evaluation of an appropriate vaccination strategy and an assessment of the effectiveness of a measured control policy. In conclusion, this study provided much needed knowledge on the epidemiology of FMD outbreaks across Thailand from 2008 to 2019. Additionally, we identified the need for future studies to address the existing knowledge gaps. The findings from this study may also be useful for livestock authorities and stakeholders to establish an enhanced control strategy and to implement an effective surveillance system that would control and eradicate FMD throughout the country.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAPs) of Farmers on Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle in Baghlan Province, Afghanistan: A Descriptive Study

“…One of the main limitations to eradicating FMD is the lack of quality vaccines that boost the immune system of the animal against clinical signs and prevent infection [ 26 ]. The importance of vaccination against FMDV was highlighted by Domingo, Baranowski [ 27 ], Carrillo, Wigdorovitz [ 28 ], who reported that vaccinating all susceptible animals against FMDV with the inactivated virus had been very successful in controlling and preventing the disease in different countries and regions of the world, including Thailand [ 29 ] and Europe [ 30 ]. It is considered that the best method for the control and future eradication of FMD in herds within the study area is the implementation of emergency vaccination.…”

Foot and mouth disease virus: A review

“…Symptoms of FMD in cattle include pyrexia and anorexia, and decreased milk output in dairy animals for 2-3 days [18]. Vesicles form also on the mouth and nasal mucous membrane and on the coronary band between the claws [19]. The result is lip snapping, bruxism, blowjob, lameness, stamping or kicking of feet.…”

“…The problems include secondary infections of injuries, decreased milk supply, loss of weight, tongue erosions, hoof distortions, abortion and mastitis. Young animals may nevertheless succeed in myocarditis (figure 5) [18][19][20].…”

Analysis of Epidemiological and Economic Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreaks in Four District Areas in Thailand

“…Between 2007 and 2017, 968 FMD outbreaks were reported in Thailand, especially between 2015 and 2016, when outbreak reports peaked at 183 ( 4 ). The FMD prevention strategies in Thailand include routine vaccination programs in ruminants two times per year, or up to three times per year in areas with regular FMD outbreaks ( 12 ). The government supports vaccination by providing free locally produced trivalent FMD vaccines (O, A, and Asia1 strains).…”

“…Even though Thailand has been regularly affected by FMD, only a few epidemiological and economic assessment studies were conducted. The previous studies mostly focused on the area level rather than the farm level ( 12 , 13 ). The knowledge gap of FMD impacts at the farm level in Thailand exists.…”