China has moved swiftly to contain a rare outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease in its northwest, tightening border checks, accelerating vaccine development, and culling thousands of cattle.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs confirmed over the weekend that herds totaling 6,229 cattle in Gansu province and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region were affected. Authorities said animals were culled and areas disinfected to prevent further spread.
Industry experts noted this marks the first detection of the SAT-1 serotype in China—a strain typically found in Africa. Existing vaccines in the country target the more common O and A serotypes, leaving livestock vulnerable to SAT-1.
Since 2025, SAT-1 has spread beyond Africa into the Middle East, West Asia, and South Asia. Officials said the virus entered China through its northwest border, which connects to Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, and other neighboring states.
Border provinces including Xinjiang and Gansu have been ordered to intensify patrols and block illegal transport or smuggling that could carry the disease.
“The current outbreak threatens a large region and prevention and control are under severe pressure,” said Rosa Wang, analyst at Shanghai JC Intelligence Co.
The outbreak underscores the challenges of safeguarding China’s vast livestock industry against transboundary animal diseases, particularly as new strains emerge outside traditional regions.