Over 1,200 Livestock Culled in Mongolia to Contain Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak

Ulaanbaatar, June 10: Mongolia has culled more than 1,200 livestock animals as part of emergency containment efforts following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), authorities confirmed.

The highly contagious viral infection, which affects cattle, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals, was detected in multiple locations, prompting swift action from veterinary and public health officials to prevent further spread.

As part of the containment strategy, veterinary teams have been deployed across affected regions to conduct surveillance, testing, and disinfection measures. Strict animal movement restrictions have also been imposed, while monitoring has been intensified in surrounding areas to detect and isolate potential new cases.

Officials have urged herders and farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspected symptoms such as fever, blisters in the mouth or hooves, and reduced appetite in livestock. Awareness campaigns and biosecurity protocols have been strengthened to limit transmission risks.

Foot-and-mouth disease is known for its rapid spread and significant economic impact on the livestock sector, often resulting in trade disruptions and productivity losses.

Authorities said containment operations are ongoing, with additional preventive measures, including targeted vaccination drives, being rolled out to control the outbreak and protect unaffected regions.