Identification of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Strains Originating from Multispecies Susceptible Animals

A first in country trail of detection, isolation and identification of Foot and Mouth disease virus (FMDV) strains was conducted in Qatar during the year 2015-2016. Using rRT-PCR and RT-PCR assay, 31/131 (23%) subject animals were found positive for infection with FMD throughout the investigation period. All of the positive samples were also positive for cultivation demonstrating early cytopathic effect utilizing the uncommonly used Vero cell lines.Genotypic identification trials distinguished five FMDV serotypes namely, A, O, Asia 1, SAT 1 and SAT 3. Five domesticated and wild ungulate animal species were shown infected with these serotypes. Interesting enough, mixed FMDV serotype infections were demonstrated into 4 susceptible animals representing 3 different species. While best to our knowledge it is the first time identifying five different FMDV serotypes in Qatar, further molecular analyses are recommended to confirm the findings, determine the molecular epidemiology of the isolates and to hint the nature of the expectant future vaccine strains.