China reports 219 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle: new SAT1 serotype detected

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Outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) have been reported among cattle in northwestern regions of China. The disease has been confirmed in 219 animals, with the SAT1 serotype detected for the first time in the country—one against which existing vaccines do not provide protection, Reuters reports.

According to China’s Ministry of Agriculture, the outbreaks were identified in two herds totaling 6,229 cattle in Gansu province and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The diagnosis was officially confirmed on Saturday.

In response, local authorities promptly implemented disease control measures, including culling infected animals and carrying out disinfection procedures to contain the spread of the virus.

Industry analysts note that this marks the first introduction of the SAT1 serotype into China. Of particular concern is the lack of cross-protection from currently available vaccines, complicating disease control efforts and increasing the risk of further spread.

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