FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, pigs, goats and sheep, with seven serotypes identified globally. In Vietnam, serotypes O, A and Asia1 have previously circulated, with type O the most prevalent.

The SAT1 strain, once largely confined to Africa, is now spreading to new regions. Since March 2025, it has been detected in Iraq and several Middle Eastern and West Asian countries. In early April 2026, China reported its first outbreak, with 219 cases in cattle in Gansu and Xinjiang provinces.

Although Vietnam has not recorded SAT1, authorities warn of a high risk of introduction, particularly via illegal cross-border animal trade. Existing domestic vaccines only protect against serotypes O, A and Asia1, leaving livestock vulnerable to SAT1, which could cause significant losses, especially in cattle and buffalo herds.

The MoAE has directed agencies and localities to strengthen surveillance, ensure early detection, conduct testing and swiftly contain any outbreaks. Controls on the transport, trade and slaughter of animals and animal products, especially in border areas, border gates and wholesale markets, are being tightened, with closer coordination among veterinary services, police, border guards, market surveillance forces and local authorities.

Local administrations have been urged to step up public awareness campaigns, promote biosecure farming practices and discourage the use of animals of unknown origin, while preparing response plans and ensuring sufficient manpower, supplies and funding.

The MoAE has called on the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence and other relevant agencies to enhance import-export control and strictly handle violations. It is also implementing active surveillance for SAT1, preparing emergency vaccine import plans and advancing domestic vaccine research.

To bolster preparedness, the ministry has proposed that the Prime Minister direct ministries and localities to strengthen border controls and allocate resources for disease prevention, while tasking the Ministry of Finance with reviewing and supplementing national reserves of vaccines and veterinary supplies.

The MoAE affirmed it would continue coordinating with relevant stakeholders to implement comprehensive prevention, surveillance and response measures to prevent the virus from entering and spreading, safeguarding Vietnam’s livestock sector.

Vietnam to produce foot-and-mouth disease vaccines next year

Next year, Vietnam expects to produce and provide a sufficient supply of vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease, an infectious and sometime fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle and pigs, as heard at a conference in Hanoi on December 18.