Over 1,230 livestock animals have been culled in Mongolia’s Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, as confirmed by the General Authority for Veterinary Services. The affected animals were found to be infected with the SAT-1 serotype of the virus. This strain, identified for the first time in Mongolia, is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through various means.
To control the situation, Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces have heightened their state of preparedness indefinitely. Additionally, six of Mongolia’s 21 provinces have reported the presence of the O serotype of the foot-and-mouth disease virus. Mongolia, known for its nomadic heritage, heavily relies on livestock herding as a key economic activity.
The country had 58.1 million livestock animals by the end of 2025, marking a slight increase from the previous year. Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe viral illness that impacts various animals, leading to significant economic consequences. This transboundary animal disease poses threats to livestock production and trade, affecting both regional and international markets.
