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Multiple introductions of serotype O foot-and-mouth disease viruses into East Asia in 2010-2011

Begoña Valdazo-González1, Anna Timina, Alexey Scherbakov

  • 1The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK. donald.king@pirbright.ac.uk.

Veterinary Research
|September 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) outbreaks in East Asia were caused by two independent introductions of the O/SEA/Mya-98 strain. Monitoring this highly contagious virus is crucial for protecting livestock industries.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreak Analysis

Background:

  • Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a significant threat due to its high contagiousness and genetic variability.
  • Incursions into FMD-free regions can lead to devastating outbreaks, impacting livestock industries.
  • The O/SEA/Mya-98 strain, endemic to Southeast Asia, caused major outbreaks in East Asia in 2010-2011.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the genetic characteristics and origins of FMDV O/SEA/Mya-98 strains responsible for East Asian outbreaks.
  • To determine the number and timing of introductions of this FMDV lineage into the region.
  • To assess the evolutionary dynamics and potential spread of FMDV in East Asia.

Main Methods:

  • Generation and sequencing of 12 full-genome FMDV samples from China, Hong Kong SAR, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia.
  • Comparative genomic analysis of generated sequences with contemporary viruses within the O/SEA/Mya-98 lineage.
  • Phylogenetic analyses using statistical parsimony and Bayesian methods to infer introduction events and evolutionary relationships.

Main Results:

  • Complete genome sequences (8119-8193 nucleotides) showed high nucleotide (≥91.0%) and amino acid (≥96.6%) identity.
  • An unusual 70-nucleotide deletion in the 5'-untranslated region was identified in viruses from China and Hong Kong SAR.
  • Phylogenetic analyses indicated two independent introductions of the O/SEA/Mya-98 lineage between August 2008 and March 2010.

Conclusions:

  • The East Asian outbreaks were initiated by two separate introductions of the FMDV O/SEA/Mya-98 lineage.
  • The rapid emergence and spread highlight the need for enhanced surveillance of this FMDV strain.
  • Continuous monitoring is essential to mitigate the threat posed by FMDV to regional and global livestock health.

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