Epidemiology of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South Sudan: A Review

A review of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was made to provide principal epidemiological data on the disease situation in South Sudan. Five serotypes of FMD virus; A, O, C, SAT1 and SAT2 were revealed in cattle, goats and sheep. Of which serotypes O and SAT 2 seemed to be the most prevalent in seven States of the country. The overall mean prevalence of FMD in Unity and Lakes States showed the highest and lowest rates of 56% and 25%, respectively. Young stock showed a mortality of 50% compared to 20% in adult cattle, sheep and goats. In the face of FMD outbreak a significant reduction in more than 10% milk yield and weight losses were revealed. The impact of FMD on the livelihoods of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists is most pronounced in reduced milk production. This has contributed to malnourished children and the elderly people. Development of control strategies for FMD is imperative for sustainable development of livestock in South Sudan.