Over 1,200 animals culled in Mongolia due to foot-and-mouth disease
Ulan Bator, June 10
At least 1,230 livestock animals have been culled in Mongolia's western provinces of Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd following outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the country's General Authority for Veterinary Services.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.
According to the GAVS, the animals culled in the two provinces were infected with the SAT-1 serotype of the FMD virus.
The outbreaks were first confirmed in late May. Authorities identified the cases as the SAT-1 serotype, marking the first detection of this strain in Mongolia. The SAT-1 strain is considered highly virulent and can spread rapidly through airborne transmission, contaminated vehicles and equipment, humans, and wild animals, the authority said.
To contain the outbreaks, Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces have imposed a heightened state of preparedness for an indefinite period.
Meanwhile, the O serotype of the FMD virus has also been reported in six of Mongolia's 21 provinces. The O serotype is responsible for the majority of FMD outbreaks worldwide, Xinhua news agency reported.
Livestock herding remains a cornerstone of the Asian country's economy, and the country is widely recognized for its centuries-old nomadic heritage.
According to the National Statistics Office, the country had 58.1 million head of livestock at the end of 2025, representing a 0.8 percent increase compared with the previous year.
FMD is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of livestock that has a significant economic impact. The disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. It is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) that deeply affects the production of livestock and disrupts regional and international trade in animals and animal products. Members that are currently free of FMD without vaccination remain under constant threat of an incursion. FMD is caused by an Aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's interesting that this is the first time the SAT-1 serotype has been detected in Mongolia. India has dealt with both O and A serotypes in the past, but SAT strains are more common in Africa. The economic impact on Mongolia must be huge since livestock is central to their economy.
This is concerning. We've seen how FMD can impact trade - even in India, it disrupts exports. But I wonder if culling is always the best approach? Vaccination campaigns might be more humane and sustainable in the long run. Still, understand the urgency to contain this.
The fact that they're imposing a heightened state of preparedness indefinitely shows how serious this is. With 58 million livestock at stake, Mongolia needs all the international support it can get. Perhaps India's experience with FMD control programs could offer some lessons.
As someone from a farming background in Punjab, I know how devastating this can be. The emotional toll of losing your animals is huge, not to mention the financial hit. Mongolia's nomadic heritage is precious - hope they bounce back quickly. Solidarity with the herders. 🇮🇳🤝🇲🇳
The SAT-1 serotype is particularly worrying because it's more virulent. India has seen FMD outbreaks before but mostly with the O serotype. The airborne transmission aspect makes it really hard to control, especially in areas with dense livestock populations.
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