April 22, 2026

 

Fresh FMD outbreak strikes multiple provinces in China

 

A new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) recently occurred across multiple provinces in China.

 

The epidemic has affected at least 12 provinces, including Gansu, Xinjiang, and Guizhou. This marks the first large-scale spread of this strain on the mainland. Currently, there is no effective vaccine, and the mortality rate among young livestock is as high as 50%. Many regions have adopted strict measures such as village lockdowns, road closures, and restrictions on livestock transportation.

 

According to a report by Caixin Global, outbreaks of FMD have recently occurred in places such as Yining County in Xinjiang and Gulang County in Gansu. Authorities have confirmed it to be the SAT1 (Southern African Territories Type 1) strain—its first recorded outbreak within China. Cattle, sheep, and pigs are all susceptible to this strain, with mortality rates in young cattle reaching up to 50%.

 

Based on information circulating on social media, outbreaks have also recently been reported in multiple regions including Shanxi, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, and Jiangsu. Some bloggers have expressed concern that China may soon face rising meat prices again, coupled with increasing fuel costs and higher unemployment, potentially leading to more difficult economic conditions ahead.

 

A "group announcement" sent to farms (breeders) stated that 11 provinces in China have already reported outbreaks of the SAT1 (Southern African Territories Type 1) FMD. The disease is said to have a high infection rate, spreads quickly, and has a mortality rate of up to 80%. It advises against purchasing cattle or sheep from affected areas during this period; if purchases are made, animals should be quarantined for 21–30 days.

 

At a livestock market, one breeder said that due to the "severe outbreak" of FMD in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Henan, and Hebei, cattle from Guizhou have no buyers.

 

According to The Paper, on March 28, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced that the SAT1 (Southern African Territories Type 1) strain of FMDhad been introduced into China, causing outbreaks in Xinjiang and Gansu. The epidemic has spread over a wide area, poses a significant threat, and the prevention and control situation is extremely severe.

 

Currently, there is no specific vaccine for this strain. This is the first time this strain has circulated in China, and it is characterised by a wide host range, high pathogenicity, and rapid transmission.

 

A report by the Biothreats Emergence, Analysis and Communications Network (BECON)  run by the Boston University said that the virus entered through the north-western border.

- Vision Times