Foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and severe plague that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovids. The disease is caused by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of the Picornaviridae family.

Etiology

The causative agent of FMD is the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), which is a single-stranded RNA virus. There are seven different serotypes of FMDV: O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3, and Asia 1. Each serotype has a different antigenic profile and is not cross-protective.

Clinical Signs

The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves. Most affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It also causes severe losses in the meat and dairy industries.

Transmission

FMD is highly contagious and can be spread by infected animals through aerosols, through contact with contaminated farming equipment, vehicles, clothing, or feed, and by domestic and wild predators. Its containment demands considerable efforts in vaccination, strict monitoring, trade restrictions, and quarantine.

Prevention and Control

Vaccination is the most effective way to control FMD. Vaccines are usually administered twice a year, and new vaccines need to be developed regularly because of the evolving nature of the virus.

Economic Impact

FMD has severe implications for animal farming, as it reduces commercial productivity and necessitates significant expenses in disease prevention, control, and eradication.

See Also

• Animal diseases
• Viral diseases
• Veterinary medicine

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