Author: Enrica Omiccioli
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Although not a threat to human health, FMD severely impacts food security, livelihoods, national and international markets. The global livestock landscape is currently facing a period of significant volatility. The recent expansion of FMD, specifically the SAT1 serotype, beyond its historical African range is a threat that demands immediate international attention. As highlighted in recent FAO/WOAH global situation reports, we are witnessing an unprecedented movement of this virus into previously disease-free territories across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, pushing dangerously close to European borders.
This geographical shift is not merely an isolated event but a stark reminder of the evolving dynamics within FMD Epidemiological Pools. It underscores the fact that even regions with decades of successful disease-free status are vulnerable to the rapid, transboundary movement of emerging viral strains.
The global spread of FMD and its impact on trade
When FMD crosses a border, the consequences extend far beyond the farm gate; it triggers a massive disruption to international trade. The moment an outbreak is confirmed, export markets close and supply chains fracture. In this context, the Progressive Control Pathway established by the FAO emphasizes that early detection and transparent reporting are only as effective as the diagnostic intelligence supporting them.
The major challenge in managing these outbreaks is maintaining trade continuity while implementing large-scale vaccination. This is where the DIVA strategy (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) becomes the critical bridge between crisis and recovery. Historically, vaccination made it difficult to prove a herd was virus-free, as traditional tests could not distinguish between a vaccine response and a natural infection.
Today, the global focus has shifted toward the urgent implementation of NSP ELISAs. These tests target non-structural proteins, specifically the 3ABC protein, which is only produced during active viral replication. By utilizing these diagnostics, veterinary authorities can identify “silent” carriers within a vaccinated population with high reliability, providing the scientific evidence required to maintain or regain “freedom from disease” status for international trade.
Advancing FMD diagnostics: from NSP ELISA to DIVA-compliant solutions
At Diatheva, our R&D team is committed to developing DIVA-compliant diagnostics that meet the rigorous performance standards required by the current SAT1 emergency. We recognize that high-performance commercial ELISA kits must provide the clarity needed by veterinary authorities to make high-stakes decisions.
Crucially, our diagnostics are validated against currently circulating strains within the various global pools. Ensuring high sensitivity for SAT serotypes—which can sometimes evade older diagnostic assays—is a cornerstone of our mission.
As we navigate the challenges of 2026, the situation reminds us that biosecurity is a continuous effort. Diagnostic limitations must never become a barrier to trade or animal welfare. By providing the tools to accurately distinguish vaccination from infection, Diatheva is proud to support the global community in safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring food security through superior diagnostic solutions.
Enrica Omiccioli is the Quality Unit & Diagnostics R&D Manager at Diatheva. With a PhD in Biochemical and Pharmacological Methodologies, she leads R&D initiatives for diagnostic kits and assays while managing the quality assurance and control processes, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of excellence.
