Epidemiological Patterns of Foot and Mouth Disease in Egypt and Other African Countries

Abstract

FMD is a severe and highly contagious disease of all cloven foot domestic and wild animals. There are seven immunologically distinct serotypes (O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT1-3) with several topotypes within each serotype. Hence, there is not complete crossprotection between different serotypes and topotypes of the same serotype. The epidemiology of FMD is more complicated in Africa than in any other parts of the world. This is due to six serotypes are circulatingin Africa and there areconsiderable regional differences in the distribution and prevalence of various serotypes and topotypes. In Egypt, FMD is considered as a major transboundary disease that produces great restrictions on trade of animal and animal products.FMDis transmitted from diseased to susceptible animal by inhalation of exhaled contaminated air. Perhaps, some wild animals contribute to FMD transmission. The African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, was observed to be a true maintenance host for serotype SAT1-3 in West Africa. RT-PCR has been estimated at the world reference laboratory (WRL), Pirbright, UK for the routine diagnosis of FMDV using universal primers for all serotypes and serotype-specific primers. Thespeed and direction of the wind, ambient temperature and humidity, and animal movement are important Factors enhancing the rapid spread of the disease within the herds.For the effective control ofFMD, outbreaks should be identified at an early stage and persistent infections must be detected. These can be occurredby regular vaccination and using rapid and specific diagnostic tools.