Epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Goats in Uganda: A Risk-Based Approach

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease with major economic implications for the livestock sector in Uganda. Although cattle are the primary focus of FMD control in Uganda, small ruminants are also susceptible and interact with cattle in mixed species grazing systems. Little is known about the epidemiology of FMD in small ruminants. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with FMD in goats in Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five high-risk districts with a history of FMD outbreaks. Blood samples were collected from nonvaccinated goats across 80 farms, and a questionnaire was administered to collect data on animal- and farm-level characteristics. Serum samples were tested for FMD virus (FMDV) nonstructural protein (NSP) antibodies using ELISA. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with seropositivity. The overall animal and farm-level seroprevalence was 19.8% (165/832) and 48.8% (39/80), respectively, and within-farm prevalence ranged from 0% to 100%. Kiruhura district had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%). Key predictors of seropositivity included proximity to a national park (OR = 14.37, p ≤ 0.001), district (Kasese: OR = 0.009, p ≤ 0.001; Kiruhura: OR = 0.052, p ≤ 0.001), and recent FMD outbreak history (FMD < 6 months ago: OR = 6.63, p ≤ 0.001; FMD > 1 year ago: OR = 2.19, p = 0.009). The most reported challenges to FMD control included inadequate vaccine supply, communal grazing, uncontrolled animal movement, and weak enforcement of quarantine measures. This study demonstrated substantial exposure of goats to FMD and highlighted the underrecognized role of small ruminants in FMD transmission. Integrating small ruminants into national FMD control programs is a logical step given the evidence. For example, inclusion in risk-based vaccination, strengthening of vaccine supply systems, and enhancing of farm-level biosecurity.