What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

Examiners may confuse NADCP as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (it is Central Sector, meaning 100% central funding, not shared with states). Also, they might mix SAT-1 with other serotypes or claim FMD is zoonotic (it is not).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: SAT-1 first identified in 1948; re-emerged in 2025-2026 after ~60 years. 2. Target this Nodal Body: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reports FMD outbreaks. 3. Target this Scheme: National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – launched 2019, Central Sector Scheme, 100% central funding.

Science & TechnologyAgriculture

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News 16 of 16

SAT-1 Serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease Returns After 60 Years; NADCP & Brucellosis Key for Prelims

Q: Which international organization is responsible for reporting and monitoring animal disease outbreaks like Foot and Mouth Disease?

World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), The article mentions that according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), SAT-1 was first reported in several countries. WOAH (formerly OIE) is the intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide and reporting transboundary animal diseases.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): 1. It is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated vehicles and equipment. 2. It affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, and goats. 3. It is easily transmitted to humans from infected animals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2, Statement 1 is correct: FMD is highly contagious and spreads via contaminated vehicles, equipment, footwear, and animal products. Statement 2 is correct: FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals. Statement 3 is incorrect: FMD is not a major human health threat; it primarily affects animals. The article explicitly states 'For people, the concern is primarily about animal health, food production and livelihoods, rather than a major human-health threat.' Hence option C is correct.

Q: In which year was the SAT-1 serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease first identified?

1948, The article states: 'The SAT-1 was first identified in 1948 and has traditionally been associated with southern Africa.' 2025 is the year it was first reported in new countries, not the year of first identification.

Q: What is the primary objective of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) as mentioned in the article?

To control and subsequently eradicate FMD and Brucellosis through vaccination, The article clearly states: 'NADCP aims to control and subsequently eradicate FMD in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goat and pigs and also for control of Bovine Brucellosis, with vaccination.' It is a vaccination-driven programme, not focused on treatment or trade monitoring.

Science & Tech Agriculture EnvironmentHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

13 Sept 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:SAT-1 first identified 1948NADCP launched 2019Seven serotypes of FMDBrucella abortus bacterium

Bodies:World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing severe economic losses through reduced milk yield, infertility, and trade bans.

2.SAT-1 serotype, first identified in 1948 and traditionally African, has been reported in new countries including Israel, Cyprus, and China in 2025-2026.

3.India's NADCP (launched 2019) is a Central Sector Scheme for FMD and Brucellosis control via vaccination and biosecurity, funded 100% by the Centre.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

After 60 years, the SAT-1 serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has re-emerged in Europe and the Middle East, raising alarms for livestock health. India's National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) aims to control FMD and Brucellosis through vaccination and biosecurity. This is critical for UPSC as it links animal disease, economic impact, and government schemes.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

FMD SerotypesSeven (O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3, Asia-1)

SAT-1 First Identified1948

NADCP Launch Year2019

NADCP TypeCentral Sector Scheme (100% Central funding)

Brucellosis Causative AgentBacterium Brucella abortus

1-Minute Revision

›FMD Serotypes: Seven (O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3, Asia-1)
›SAT-1 First Identified: 1948
›Target this Data: SAT-1 first identified in 1948; re-emerged in 2025-2026 after ~60 years.
›Target this Nodal Body: World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reports FMD outbreaks.
›Target this Scheme: National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – launched 2019, Central Sector Scheme, 100% central funding.

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News Snapshot

🐄

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

A highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, goats), causing fever, blisters, and economic losses.

🌍

SAT-1 Serotype Returns

After 60 years, SAT-1 has re-emerged in Europe and the Middle East, with first detections in Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Azerbaijan (2025) and Israel, Cyprus, China (2026).

💉

India's NADCP

Launched in 2019 as a Central Sector Scheme, aiming to control and eradicate FMD and Brucellosis through large-scale vaccination and biosecurity measures.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Foot and Mouth Disease is a major transboundary animal disease with severe economic consequences. It spreads easily via direct contact, contaminated equipment, and animal products. The SAT-1 serotype, historically confined to Africa, has now appeared in new regions after a 60-year absence, indicating potential gaps in global surveillance and biosecurity.

Core Analysis & Implications

The return of SAT-1 threatens livestock industries in Europe and the Middle East, leading to trade embargoes and loss of productivity. For India, where FMD is endemic, the NADCP's vaccination drives are crucial to build herd immunity. The programme also covers Brucellosis, a bacterial reproductive disease causing abortions and infertility, further impacting dairy and meat production.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Continuous vaccination, enhanced biosecurity, and international cooperation (via WOAH) are essential to prevent SAT-1 spread. India must strengthen cold chain infrastructure for vaccines and raise awareness among farmers. The NADCP's integration under LHDCP (2021) ensures sustained funding. Monitoring of emerging serotypes is vital for early detection.

Comparison: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is a separate human disease caused by coxsackievirus (nonpolio enterovirus), common in children under 5. It is highly contagious but not serious, causing fever and blisters. Unlike FMD, it spreads via person-to-person contact and respiratory droplets. This distinction is important to avoid confusion in exams.

Key Facts at a Glance

FMD SerotypesSeven (O, A, C, SAT-1, SAT-2, SAT-3, Asia-1)

SAT-1 First Identified1948

NADCP Launch Year2019

NADCP TypeCentral Sector Scheme (100% Central funding)

Brucellosis Causative AgentBacterium Brucella abortus

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which international organization is responsible for reporting and monitoring animal disease outbreaks like Foot and Mouth Disease?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):

1. It is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated vehicles and equipment.

2. It affects cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, and goats.

3. It is easily transmitted to humans from infected animals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

In which year was the SAT-1 serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease first identified?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, State PSC

What is the primary objective of the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) as mentioned in the article?

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SAT-1 Serotype of Foot and Mouth Disease Returns After 60 Years; NADCP & Brucellosis Key for Prelims

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

SAT-1 Serotype Returns

India's NADCP

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Comparison: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance