Statement

WOAH calls for action on foot-and-mouth disease (SAT1) international spread

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to pose a serious and evolving threat to animal health, food security, livelihoods, and international trade. FMD (serotype SAT 1) has spread beyond its historical African range, causing outbreaks in countries previously free, including those in Southern Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The dynamic nature of this epidemiological situation underscores the need for sustained global vigilance and adapted actions.

Transparent, timely and accurate reporting of FMD outbreaks is essential to safeguarding global animal health. Early notification through WOAH systems enables rapid risk assessment and coordinated responses, strengthens trust among trading partners, and allows timely mobilisation of technical support. Equally important are strong early warning and surveillance systems, continuous risk monitoring, and science-based, risk-based approaches that anticipate emerging threats before they escalate. 

WOAH reaffirms its commitment to supporting Members in strengthening preparedness, surveillance, and control, and to facilitating coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other partners through the GF-TADs. Maintaining vigilance and transparency is a shared responsibility—critical to reducing the impact of FMD and protecting animal health, livelihoods, and food security worldwide.

Call to action to WOAH Members  

WOAH reminds Members of their commitment and obligation to ensure timely and transparent notification of confirmed FMD cases through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), including serotype and strain information where available. 

In light of the evolving epidemiological situation associated with FMD virus serotype SAT 1, WOAH recommends Members to: 

  • Update national and regional FMD risk assessments, taking into account the changing distribution of SAT 1, animal movements, trade pathways and adopt proportionate science-based risk mitigation measures in line with the Terrestrial Code,  
  • Enhance clinical surveillance and diagnostic capacity, particularly in areas at higher risk of virus introduction, to ensure early detection and rapid response. 
  • Conduct regular virus characterisation and genotyping in affected areas to monitor viral evolution and early detect the incursion of serotype SAT1 and support evidence-based decision-making. 
  • Review and, where appropriate, adjust vaccine strategies and antigen composition to ensure continued effectiveness against circulating strains and control vaccine quality. 
  • Strengthen preparedness and contingency planning, including collaboration with other national authorities involved in emergency response and regular simulation exercises to ensure effective implementation of measures. 
  • Coordinate with neighbouring Members and regional networks, to support a rapid and proportionate response. 

WOAH emphasises that its FMD Reference Laboratories network is available to provide technical support to Members, including diagnostic confirmation, virus characterisation, antigenic matching, and scientific advice to inform surveillance, control and vaccination strategies. 

Our latest news