Studying Spillover Strains of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in African Buffalo – Fellowship Training Grant

SUMMARY: Researchers will study foot-and-mouth disease strains circulating in buffalo and cattle living in overlapping ranges in South Africa to identify outbreak sources and strains contributing to widespread disease.    

THE PROBLEM: Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease that affects wild and domestic two-toed mammals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs. In South Africa, the virus is continually present in African buffalo. These buffalo can pass the virus to cattle, especially in regions where both buffalo and cattle ranges might overlap, including Kruger National Park, South Africa.  

Many different strains of FMD exist in South Africa, and the virus changes quickly, making it challenging to manage. Some strains are more likely to cause outbreaks and pass from buffalo to cattle than others. Knowledge of the genetic differences of FMDV strains is essential to determine outbreak sources and guide the administration of appropriate vaccines to cattle.  

THE PROJECT: To address this issue, researchers will compare the genetic differences of FMDV strains in buffalo and cattle living in and around Kruger National Park, South Africa. The team hopes this information will help them detect patterns in how and where the virus passes between the cattle and buffalo. Findings also will help predict which strains may cause outbreaks in the future and help researchers develop cattle vaccines and disease surveillance in buffalo for improved management of FMD viruses in the region.  

POTENTIAL IMPACT: Findings from this study will help direct vaccine development and focus sparse management resources to reduce contact between livestock and wildlife in the areas that post the highest risk for disease spillover between species. It will also help identify transmission patterns and target management strategies more effectively. FMD is one of the most critical trade-restricting diseases worldwide, and this research will have significant implications for FMD policy for cattle and wildlife.