FMD And TADs Investigation Laboratory

This lab was stablished in 2040 BS (1983 AD) as a laboratory for controlling foot-and-mouth disease. This laboratory has been renamed as National Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Epizootic Disease Laboratory since 2061/62 BS (2004/2005 AD). Since its establishment, this laboratory has been conducting foot-and-mouth disease diagnosis. Additionally, it has been identifying other nationally significant transboundary animal diseases such as classical swine fever (hog cholera) and bluetongue disease.

Between 2001 and 2010, Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus serotypes O, A, and Asia-1 were identified, with prevalence rates of 14.545%, 0.475%, and 2.545% respectively. Serotype C was last observed in 2047/48 BS (1990/91 AD) and has not been seen since 2051/52 BS (1994/095 AD). Serotype Asia-1  and Serotype A has not been observed since 2076/77 and 2078/79 BS respectively. Currently, only serotype O is detected.

This laboratory actively participates in the Profiency Testing done by WRFMD and WOAH/OIE and SAARC Progressive Control Pathway for managing foot-and-mouth disease in the SAARC region. It conducts FMD Sero-Surveillance program by collecting serum samples from animals in regions where outbreaks haven't been confirmed and vaccines haven't been administered conducting FMD NSP ELISA test to identify FMD carrier animals. Additionally, it collects serum samples from FMD  and CSF for monitoring the effectiveness of FMD and CSF vaccine respectively.