Foot and Mouth Disease in the Middle East: Governments Report Billions in Economic Losses, Cattle and Sheep Bear the Suffering

In 2025 and 2026, the Middle East experienced a significant rise in foot and mouth disease outbreaks, particularly with the SAT1 serotype spreading across several countries. Governments often report billions in economic losses, trade bans, and vaccination campaigns. Behind these figures, however, are cattle and sheep enduring painful blisters, weakness, and mass culling, realities that are rarely reflected in official statements.