Background on the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, horses, pets, and wildlife. The disease causes severe physical damage and productivity losses in affected animals. FMD is controlled through vigilance, rapid reporting of suspected cases, and implementing biosecurity measures.
Recent FMD Cases in Mexico
As of October 4, 2025, Mexico has reported a total of 7,885 FMD cases. Of these, 7,195 have been controlled and cured, while 690 remain active, accounting for 8.7% of the total cases. Chiapas leads with 3,959 cases, followed by Oaxaca (910) and Tabasco (890).
New Case in Nuevo León
The National Service for Health, Safety, and Food Quality (Senasica) confirmed a second case of FMD in Nuevo León, specifically in the municipalities of Sabinas Hidalgo and Montemorelos. This discovery raises concerns as the region is close to the US border, previously considered FMD-free.
According to the Grupo de Consultores de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA), the Nuevo León case originated in Chiapas, which has the majority of active outbreaks in Mexico.
Impact on the Ganadero Sector
Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the GCMA, stated that the outbreak has caused economic damage to the livestock sector, particularly to feedlots. These businesses face an approximate increase of 600 Mexican pesos per head due to additional costs for controlling the disease.
Furthermore, the temporary suspension of live cattle exports to the United States has been enforced. Mexico is actively conducting an eradication campaign that includes releasing over 3 million sterile flies, inspecting and treating 1.7 million heads of cattle, and verifying 27,000 shipments.
Additionally, a sterile fly production plant is being built in Metapa, Chiapas, in collaboration with Senasica and international authorities.
Call for Vigilance
Anaya emphasized that “animal health is a shared responsibility. Producers, accumulators, and feedlots are urged to maintain constant vigilance, report any suspected cases promptly, and reinforce biosecurity measures in their production units.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)? FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing severe physical damage and productivity losses.
- How many FMD cases are there in Mexico? As of October 4, 2025, Mexico has reported a total of 7,885 FMD cases.
- Where did the recent Nuevo León case originate? The recent FMD case in Nuevo León originated in Chiapas, which has the majority of active outbreaks in Mexico.
- What are the economic impacts of FMD on Mexico’s ganadero sector? The FMD outbreak has caused economic damage to the livestock sector, particularly feedlots, with additional costs of approximately 600 Mexican pesos per head.
- What measures is Mexico taking to control FMD? Mexico is conducting an eradication campaign that includes releasing sterile flies, inspecting and treating cattle, and verifying shipments. A sterile fly production plant is also being built in Chiapas.
- What responsibility do producers have regarding FMD? Producers, accumulators, and feedlots are urged to maintain constant vigilance, report suspected cases promptly, and reinforce biosecurity measures in their production units.
