Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. It causes fever, blisters and lameness, and can lead to significant economic losses in the livestock industry.
The disease has been present in Europe for centuries, but was largely eradicated in the 20th century through vaccination and strict control measures. However, in 2018, FMD re-emerged in the United Kingdom, and has since spread to other countries in Europe.
A team of scientists led by the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany has now analyzed the genomes of the FMD viruses responsible for the recent outbreaks in Europe. They found that the viruses had undergone a number of genetic changes, including mutations in the genes that encode the proteins that form the virus's outer coat.
These changes have made the viruses more resistant to the existing vaccines, which were designed to target the original strains of FMD virus. As a result, the re-emerging viruses have been able to spread more easily and cause more severe disease.
The findings of the study highlight the importance of understanding the genetic evolution of viruses in order to develop effective vaccines and control measures.
"Our study provides important information about the molecular mechanisms behind the re-emergence of foot-and-mouth disease in Europe," said Dr. Thomas Mettenleiter, head of the Institute of Molecular Biology at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut. "This information can be used to develop new vaccines and control measures to prevent future outbreaks."
The study was published in the journal PLOS Pathogens.
