An outbreak of a new strain of foot and mouth disease in Egypt is threatening food security in North Africa and the Middle East.

This warning has come from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) which says that more than 40,000 animals have been affected by the disease.

FAO sent an emergency team to Egypt last week to assess the situation and work with veterinary authorities to contain the disease.

According to FAO, 6.3 million buffalo and cattle and 7.5 million sheep and goats are at risk in Egypt.

UN Radio’s Patrick Maigua discussed the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease in Egypt with Juan Lubroth, FAO’s Veterinary Officer.

Duration: 4'28"