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SAT-1 Returns: Foot and Mouth Disease's New Concern

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Health Desk

In Short: The Indian Express highlights the resurgence of SAT-1, a strain of Foot and Mouth Disease, raising new concerns among animal health authorities.

Foot and mouth disease in mouth
Photo: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The Indian Express reports that SAT-1, a strain of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), has recently been detected in several countries, bringing renewed attention to the disease. Typically, the disease begins with fever, followed by fluid-filled blisters and sores in the mouth, on the tongue, and around the feet, according to Dr. Chirag Dua, founder of Vetifi App.

Dr. Dua explains that there is no specific antiviral treatment for FMD, and management focuses on supportive care and preventing further transmission. Disease-control measures recommended by veterinary authorities are crucial in managing the disease. The SAT-1 strain was first identified in 1948 and has traditionally been associated with southern Africa, but its recent detection in Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, and Azerbaijan in 2025 has put the disease back on the radar of animal health authorities.

The National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosis (NADCP) was launched in 2019 to address these concerns. The program aims to control and prevent the spread of these diseases, ensuring the health and safety of livestock. In this context, it is essential to understand the SAT-1 strain and its implications for FMD.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a major viral disease of livestock with significant economic impacts. The resurgence of SAT-1 highlights the ongoing challenges in managing and controlling this disease. As the Indian Express notes, staying informed about such developments is crucial for effective disease management and prevention.

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