Genetic characterization of foot-and-mouth disease viruses, Ethiopia, 1981-2007.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. To further understand its complex epidemiology, which involves multiple virus serotypes and host species, we characterized the viruses recovered from FMD outbreaks in Ethiopia during 1981-2007. We detected 5 of the 7 FMDV serotypes (O, A, C, Southern African Territories [SAT] 1, and SAT 2). Serotype O predominated, followed by serotype A; type C was not recognized after 1983. Phylogenetic analysis of virus protein 1 sequences indicated emergence of a new topotype within serotype O, East Africa 4. In 2007, serotype SAT 1 was detected in Ethiopia and formed a new distinct topotype (IX), and serotype SAT 2 reappeared after an apparent gap of 16 years. The diversity of viruses highlights the role of this region as a reservoir for FMD virus, and their continuing emergence in Ethiopia will greatly affect spread and consequent control strategy of the disease on this continent.
National Veterinary Institute, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia.
Gelagay
G
Ayelet
Mana
M
Mahapatra
Esayas
E
Gelaye
Berhe G
BG
Egziabher
Tesfaye
T
Rufeal
Mesfin
M
Sahle
Nigel P
NP
Ferris
Jemma
J
Wadsworth
Geoffrey H
GH
Hutchings
Nick J
NJ
Knowles
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D002460:Cell Line; D006224:Cricetinae; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005536:Foot-and-Mouth Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D029544:Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D014644:Genetic Variation; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D006041:Goats; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012703:Serotyping; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology