Vietnam strengthens measures to prevent the risk of FMD serotype SAT1 virus entering the country

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a dangerous infectious disease that can spread rapidly among many livestock species such as buffalo, cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. The virus currently has seven serotypes: A, O, C, Asia1, SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3. In Vietnam, the serotypes that have appeared are O, A, and Asia1, with serotype O being the most prevalent.

Notably, FMD serotype SAT1, previously mainly circulating in Africa, is tending to spread to many other regions. Since March 2025, this strain has been reported in Iraq and continues to appear in several Middle Eastern and West Asian countries. In early April 2026, China also reported its first cases of the disease in cattle in Gansu and Xinjiang provinces.

Although Vietnam has not yet detected the SAT1 serotype, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment considers the risk of its entry to be very high, especially through illegal cross-border animal trafficking and trade. Meanwhile, the FMD vaccines currently available in the country only protect against types O, A, and Asia1, and do not protect against SAT1.

Given this risk, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has requested that localities strengthen surveillance, detect suspected cases early, tighten control over livestock transportation and slaughter, and promote awareness of biosecurity in livestock farming. Specialized units have also been tasked with developing response plans, proactively monitoring the SAT1 virus, and preparing for vaccine imports in case of emergency.