LEBANON - Lebanon’s Agriculture Ministry confirmed Monday that cases of foot-and-mouth disease have been detected in cattle illegally brought into the country.

The ministry said laboratory tests identified the virus as the SAT1 serotype, subtype III, which is genetically linked to strains circulating in Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Authorities emphasized that the outbreak is unrelated to legally imported livestock from Egypt.

“Preliminary analyses of samples from infected animals, sent to the world reference laboratory in Pirbright, United Kingdom, revealed the presence of the SAT1 serotype of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, as well as subtype III,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry warned that smuggled animals pose significant risks to Lebanon’s livestock industry, calling on farmers and traders to comply with national regulations and reporting mechanisms.

Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious among cloven-hoofed animals and can result in severe economic losses if not contained.

The ministry is also coordinating with regional partners to monitor cross-border movements and prevent further introductions of infected animals.