Environmental Sampling as a Low-Technology Method for Surveillance of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus in an Area of Endemicity

Environmental sampling enables disease surveillance beyond regular investigation of observed clinical cases, extending data on the circulation of a pathogen in a specific area. Developing straightforward, low technology methods suitable for use in field conditions is key to the inclusion of such approaches alongside traditional surveillance techniques. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is an economically important livestock pathogen, affecting cloven-hooved livestock in many countries. Countries with FMDV face severe trade restrictions and infections can result in long term effects on the productivity of affected animals. Environmental contamination by virus in excretions and secretions from infected individuals promotes transmission, but also presents an opportunity for non-invasive sample collection, facilitating diagnostic and surveillance purposes. We present environmental sampling methods that have been tested in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, where FMDV is endemic. A total of nine sites were visited and sampled between November 2016 and November 2017. Environmental swabs collected from sites with reported outbreaks of FMD were used to demonstrate successful detection of FMDV RNA from the environment. Development of methods that can reliably detect FMDV RNA in the environment is significant, as this extends the toolbox available for surveillance for this disease. Similar methods have already been deployed in the effort to eradicate polio and, in the case of FMDV, could easily be deployed in the event of an outbreak to provide additional resources for detection that would relieve pressure on veterinary services. Development of low technology, straightforward surveillance methods such as this can support a robust response to outbreaks. Importance Prompt confirmation and diagnosis of disease are key factors in controlling outbreaks. Development of environmental sampling techniques to detect FMDV RNA from the environment will extend the tool kit available for surveillance of this pathogen. The methods presented in this article broaden surveillance opportunities using accessible techniques. Pairing these methods with existing and novel diagnostic tests will improve capability for the rapid detection of outbreaks and implementation of timely interventions to control outbreaks. In endemic areas, these methods can be implemented to extend surveillance beyond the investigation of clinical cases, providing additional data to assess virus circulation in specific areas.