University of Basra Takes the Lead in Isolating and Documenting New Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Strain
A research team from the University of Basra's College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Agriculture—comprising Dr. Wissam Munther Mohammed Saleh, Dr. Hassan Nima Habib, and Ph.D candidate Adeeb Ayad Dawood—has successfully isolated and identified a virulent strain of the foot-and-mouth disease virus affecting livestock in Basra and across Iraq.
The team traced the origins of the recent outbreak in southern Iraq, isolating and genetically analyzing the virus responsible. Their work led to the discovery and identification of a new strain, SAT1, recorded for the first time in both Basra and Iraq. This strain has since been registered with the Global Gene Bank and has shown multiple mutations.
This breakthrough marks a critical step toward developing a national vaccination program aimed at eradicating the disease. Foot-and-mouth disease poses a serious threat to the agricultural sector, leading to high mortality in infected animals, reduced productivity in meat, milk, and dairy output, and increased treatment costs, which collectively impact both trade and food security.
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