First Complete Genome Sequence of the Novel Lineage G-IX (BD-18) of FMDV Serotype Asia1

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) has been a major threat to livestock worldwide, and is caused by FMD Virus (FMDV) existing as seven serotypes (A, O, C, Asia1 and SAT 1-3), each having variability into topotypes, genetic lineages, sublineages, and strains. Three serotypes are circulating in Indian subcontinent with the widespread distribution of serotype O, whereas serotype A and Asia1 are restricted to certain geographical regions. During 2017-2018, the Sindh-08 lineages of Asia1 serotype was reported from Pakistan, however, in 2018, a novel circulatory foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 BD-18 (G-IX) lineage containing a unique mutation has emerged in Bangladesh. The first complete genome of the Asia1/ASIA/G-IX novel lineage strain, isolated from Bangladesh, is reported here. Amino acid substitutions at critical antigenic sites of capsid were identified compared to genome of existing vaccine strain (IND/63/72), and contemporary FMDV serotype A isolate of Bangladesh.