Epidemiological patterns and impacts of foot and mouth disease in ruminants: A retrospective analysis of 2006-2023 in Palestine

This study presents a retrospective epidemiological analysis of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in ruminants in Palestine from 2006 to 2023. Data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the Annual Agricultural Census, and reports from the World Organization for Animal Health indicated the endemic nature of FMD in Palestine throughout the study period. The findings unveil FMD's consistent presence, reporting outbreaks every year. The comprehensive analysis encompasses 202 outbreaks, involving 5635 cases and 84 deaths, underscoring the disease's substantial impact. The average morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rates were 17.0, 2.2 and 1.49%, respectively. Serotypes O, A, Asia 1, and SAT 2 were identified, each exerting varying effects on morbidity, mortality, and susceptible livestock. Annual trends displayed unpredictable fluctuations in outbreaks, emphasizing the erratic nature of FMD occurrences. Vaccination efforts exhibited fluctuating coverage levels, hinting at potential shifts in strategies or challenges in maintaining consistent programs. Concerningly, recent years witnessed a decline in vaccination, signaling a need for sustained vigilance and strengthened vaccination initiatives to manage FMD's impact on susceptible animal populations effectively. To control disease spread, the study advocates for improved data recording, heightened owner awareness, increased FMD vaccine utilization, and the implementation of a systematic disease monitoring and serotyping program.