FMD virus was detected in 49.4% of outbreak samples and 1.6% of healthy imported cattle, confirming the co-circulation of serotypes O, A, and SAT2 in Ghana.
Cross-Sectional (n=497)
Yes
The study confirms the co-circulation of multiple FMDV serotypes (O, A, and SAT2) in Ghana, highlighting the need for enhanced molecular surveillance and cross-border control.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) represents one of the most severe transboundary animal diseases globally. Although considered endemic in Ghana, recent data on circulating serotypes are limited. This study investigated and characterized FMD outbreaks occurring between July and December 2024, assessed the occurrence of the infection in seemingly healthy cattle imports, and explored alternative methods to enhance early diagnosis in livestock; using probang Sera, epithelial tissue and oral mucosal swabs were obtained from cattle exhibiting signs suggestive of FMD from farms, livestock markets and a slaughter facility. This was followed by a cross-sectional survey at two major points of entry (POE) to Ghana to obtain oropharyngeal samples using probang from healthy cattle to assess the possible role of imported cattle in the outbreaks in the northern and southern regions of the country. Samples were analysed for FMD virus (FMDV) and non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies to assess infection and exposure from the outbreak foci and POE. Positive samples were sequenced to characterize the virus serotypes. Outbreaks were reported in 38 kraals, three livestock markets, and one slaughter facility across 14 districts in nine regions. Morbidity rates ranged from 8% to 100% (median = 50%), with fatalities occurring in three kraals. Of the 247 samples from outbreak locations, FMD virus was detected in 49.4% (122/247). A majority of cattle (66.03%, 140/212) tested seropositive for FMD NSP antibodies. From healthy cattle at POE, 250 oropharyngeal (probang) samples were collected, with 62.4% testing positive, distributed between the north and south. Only 1.6% of the samples had FMDV RNA detected using PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified serotypes O, A, and SAT2. These findings confirm the co-circulation of multiple FMDV serotypes in Ghana and highlight the necessity for enhanced molecular surveillance and coordinated cross-border control measures.
Odoom et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) (n=497). FMD virus exposure was evaluated on Detection of FMD virus (FMDV) and non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies. FMD virus was detected in 49.4% of outbreak samples and 1.6% of healthy imported cattle, confirming the co-circulation of serotypes O, A, and SAT2 in Ghana.