Options for control of foot-and-mouthdisease: knowledge, capability and policy

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease can be controlled by zoo-sanitary measures and vaccination but this isdifficult owing to the existence of multiple serotypes of the causative virus, multiple host species includ-ing wildlife and extreme contagiousness. Although intolerable to modern high-production livestocksystems, the disease is not usually fatal and often not a priority for control in many developingcountries, which remain reservoirs for viral dissemination. Phylogenetic analysis of the viruses circulat-ing worldwide reveals seven principal reservoirs, each requiring a tailored regional control strategy.Considerable trade benefits accrue to countries that eradicate the disease but as well as requiringregional cooperation, achieving and maintaining this status using current tools takes a great deal oftime, money and effort. Therefore, a progressive approach is needed that can provide interim benefitsalong the pathway to final eradication. Research is needed to understand and predict the patterns ofviral persistence and emergence and to improve vaccine selection. Better diagnostic methods andespecially better vaccines could significantly improve control in both the free and the affected partsof the world. In particular, vaccines with improved thermostability and a longer duration of immunitywould facilitate control and make it less reliant on advanced veterinary infrastructures