Iran's Veterinary Organisation is investigating whether a new strain of foot-and-mouth disease was deliberately introduced to the country, with the outbreak showing unusual transmission patterns, Hamshahri newspaper reported on January 5.

Earlier reports suggest that as much as 80% of Iran's total breeding cattle in provinces such as Markazi, Alborz, Qom, and others have been culled in recent months due to the ongoing outbreak, putting pressure on the government to provide meat supplies to the capital and other major cities. Prices have also spiked, forcing restaurants and supermarkets to significantly increase their prices, having a knock-on effect on consumer spending power.

Alireza Rafieipour, head of the Iran Veterinary Organisation, said at a press conference that research on the new strain is ongoing and the possibility of intentional transmission is being seriously examined.

Results of the investigations will be reported to relevant authorities upon completion, but have led some authorities to believe that "artificial pressure" has been placed on food supply chains amid ongoing turmoil in the country’s politics and a weakened rial. 

"The behaviour of this virus and the way it has spread from one country to others does not align with known natural patterns, which is why epidemiological and laboratory investigations are being conducted carefully," Rafieipour said, without citing further evidence. The official said the disease is now “fully under control” and is being concluded.

He noted that over the past three months, more than 8.6mn head of livestock have been vaccinated against the new strain, a vaccination campaign unprecedented in its scale and speed.

"Obtaining the vaccine, approving it and coordinating with manufacturing plants is itself a time-consuming process. To be able to supply and administer nearly 10mn (out of an initial stockpile of 16mn) doses of vaccine in three months is the result of coordination and outstanding performance," Rafieipour said.

The official dismissed some reports circulating on social media, stating the extensive vaccination operation demonstrates the Veterinary Organisation's complete readiness to combat livestock diseases.

Iran has historically faced periodic outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, which affects cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever and blisters in affected animals, leading to significant economic losses in the livestock sector.

Iran maintains seven to 8mn head of heavy livestock. The outbreak threatens widespread bankruptcy among farmers who have invested their life savings in their herds with imports now having to make up the bulk of meat.

Reports from cattle farmers' unions indicate some large Tehran dairy farms have lost up to 80% of their breeding cattle, whilst calf mortality has reached 50% in affected herds. Milk production has declined by 80% in infected animals.