A Comprehensive Overview of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in India: Understanding Epidemiology, Economics and Management Approaches

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) remains a significant challenge for livestock health and rural economies in India, where the disease is endemic and caused predominantly by serotypes O, A, and Asia1. This comprehensive review synthesizes current epidemiological data, highlighting the widespread prevalence of FMD across various regions, with outbreaks most frequently affecting cattle and buffaloes and peaking seasonally. The economic implications are substantial, with annual national losses estimated between ₹12,000 crore and ₹14,000 crore, primarily due to decreased milk production, reduced draught power, growth retardation, and trade restrictions. Direct morbidity losses account for the majority of the economic burden, while indirect losses stem from decreased market access for livestock products. In response, India has implemented extensive control strategies, notably the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), which has achieved over 95% vaccination coverage in cattle and buffalo populations through coordinated campaigns, surveillance, and awareness initiatives. Despite these efforts, persistent challenges such as unrestricted animal movement, incomplete vaccination coverage in certain communities, and antigenic variation among FMDV serotypes necessitate ongoing surveillance, adaptive vaccination strategies, and strengthened veterinary infrastructure. This review underscores the critical need for sustained, evidence-based interventions to mitigate the epidemiological and economic impacts of FMD and to support the goal of eventual eradication in India.