Ulaanbaatar, June 10 (IANS). The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continues to increase in Mongolia’s western provinces of Bayan-Ulgi and Khovd. Due to this, more than 1,230 animals were killed. According to local media, this information was given by the country’s General Authority for Veterinary Services (GAVS) on Tuesday.
The disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects hoofed animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs.
Officials said the infections found in these provinces are caused by the SAT-1 strain of the FMD virus, which has been identified for the first time in Mongolia.
According to GAVS, the SAT-1 strain is considered highly lethal and can spread rapidly through the air, contaminated vehicles and equipment, humans and wild animals. In view of this threat, Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces have been put on high alert indefinitely.
According to reports, the outbreak first emerged in late May. At the same time, the presence of O strain of FMD virus has also been recorded in six other provinces out of 21 in the country, which is considered responsible for most of the cases of this disease worldwide.
Animal husbandry is considered the backbone of the economy in Mongolia and the country is also known for its centuries-old nomadic lifestyle. According to the National Statistics Office, there were about 5.81 crore livestock in the country by the end of 2025, an increase of 0.8 percent from the previous year.
FMD is a serious and rapidly spreading animal disease, with a major impact on international trade and the livestock economy. According to experts, the disease can spread across borders and strict surveillance and prompt action is required to control it. Animals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of FMD.
–IANS
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