Observations on Foot and Mouth Disease in Kenya

Abstract

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) first was characterized in Kenya in 1932. Typing results are available since 1954. Five serotypes namely A, C, O, SAT1 and SAT2 have been confirmed and every district in the country has recorded one serotype or another. Serotypes A and O were predominant upto 1974 and serotypes O and SAT2 became predominant in 1975. However, serotypes C and SAT1 outbreaks have only occurred sporadically and are shown to have originated from neighbouring countries. Serotypes O and SAT2 remain enzootic while serotype A occurs sporadically in a few districts and serotypes C and SAT1 have almost been eradicated. Serotype SAT2 has had the highest number of subtypes.

The Kenya Veterinarian Vol. 18 (1) 1994: pp. 25-27