Abstract:
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most economically important, highly contagious
and trans-boundary animal diseases in developing countries including Ethiopia causing huge
amount of economical loses in different geographical areas of the country. However, the
information about genetic characteristics and strains of FMD virus circulating in Ethiopia is
scarce. A cross sectional study was conducted between September 2016 and April 2017 to
undertake serotyping and molecular characterization of FMD virus from outbreak cases in
central Ethiopia. A total of 105 samples (35 oral swabs, 6 epithelial tissues, 64 oro-pharyngeal
fluids) were collected purposively from cattle outbreaks cases in central Ethiopia including
Oromia Special Finfine Surrounding zone (Mulo woreda), North Shewa zone (Aleltu, Kimbibit
and Wochale woredas), East Shewa zone (Adea woreda) and Addis Ababa (Kolfe Koraneyo sub
city) and transported to NAHDIC Sebeta for laboratory investigation. All samples collected,
stored, prepared in accordance with standard methods and subjected to RNA extraction and
real-time RT-PCR. Positive samples for FMDV were further subjected to viral isolation (cell
culture) and identification of isolated virus by antigen detection ELISA. Obtained data were
entered into Ms-excel and interpreted by SPSS program. Out of the total 105 samples tested by
real-time RT-PCR, 34 (32.38%) samples were found to be positive for FMD virus. Eight positive
samples representing each outbreak areas were further cultured or inoculated into 25 cm
2 flask containing monolayer BHK-21 cell lines, the result showed the cytopathic effect (CPE) which is
characterized by the rounding and flattening of the cells, breaking down of the intracellular
bridges and finally cell death. Among the eight isolates, six samples were characterized by
antigen detecting ELISA. Serotypes O (4) and A (3) were identified. In one of the isolates both
serotype were identified. This study revealed that serotypes O and A of FMD virus were causing
outbreaks in cattle in Ethiopia inflicting huge economic losses. Therefore, proper control and
intervention should be designed and implemented to minimize the burden of the disease.
