In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have found that sheep may be almost as significant as cattle in the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). This revelation comes from an in-depth analysis conducted in northern Nigeria, recently published in the Veterinary Research journal.

New Insights into FMD Transmission

The research, a collaboration between The Pirbright Institute and Nigeria's National Veterinary Research Institute, sheds light on the role of both small ruminants and contaminated environments in spreading this contagious disease.

Sheep vs. Cattle: Surprising Findings

The findings revealed that the infection rate in sheep is "comparable" to that of cattle, while goats showed a "significantly lower" infection rate. Georgina Limon-Vega, one of the lead researchers, emphasized that these results indicate that sheep could play a crucial role in FMD transmission in the studied region.

Urgent Need for Enhanced Surveillance

Limon-Vega stresses the necessity for detailed clinical examinations of sheep to ensure that no infected individuals are overlooked. She advocates for similar studies in various endemic regions to understand better how sheep contribute to the disease’s spread in different environments and farming practices.

Effective Environmental Sampling

The study also explored the effectiveness of various sampling methods, including oral swabs and environmental samples collected from contaminated surfaces. Remarkably, environmental sampling proved to be a highly efficient way to monitor FMD, especially in situations where testing individual animals is impractical.

Growing Concerns Over FMD

The urgency of this research comes in light of recent FMD outbreaks in Slovakia, Hungary, and Germany. These developments have prompted the UK government to enforce an EU-wide ban on personal imports of meat and dairy products to protect against further spread.

Swift Detection Methods Are Vital

Previous studies suggest that proactive environmental sampling can detect FMD infections in herds up to two days earlier than traditional clinical inspections, which is crucial for timely response during outbreaks. Dr. Limon-Vega has called for intensified research following these findings to ensure better management and prevention strategies against FMD.