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Foot & Mouth Disease Facts |
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Foot & Mouth Disease Facts |
Foot And Mouth Disease (FMD) is caused by a fast-spreading virus, and all cloven-footed animals are susceptible to the disease. Nearly 100% of the animals in an exposed herd will become ill, and young animals may die from the disease. These animals would include cattle, elk, sheep, bison, goats, captive and wild deer, llamas, and domestic and wild swine.
What does, FMD infection look like? Blisters (vesicles) may form in the animal's mouth or muzzle, causing slobbering and drooling. Later, the blisters will break, forming raw patches or ulcers. Blisters and sores also can develop on animal's teats, causing mastitis in dairy cattle. Sheep and goats may have only minimal clinical signs of disease after an incubation period of up to 14 days.
FMD Outbreaks Worldwide. FMD has been diagnosed in 34 countries during the past 18 months. The latest outbreaks have occurred in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Argentina and France. The continents free of the disease are North America, Australia and Antarctica. Most of the affected countries are still battling FMD. Outbreaks disrupt animal industry, including the export of animals and animal products.
How FMD is Spread. FMD can be transmitted in a variety of way, the most common being direct contact with an infected animal. Once infected, animals become "virus factories," capable of spreading high numbers of viral particles to other animal and into the environment. Infected swine, in particular, can release millions of viral particles when the exhale. While the disease is not considered to be a threat to humans, it's possible for a person to spread the virus to susceptible animals. The disease also can be spread when susceptible animals come into contact with feed, feeding utensils, vehicles, clothing, or holding facilities that have been contaminated with the virus. The FMD virus also can be carried in raw meat, animal products or milk from FMD-exposed or infected animals.
Keep FMD Out! Do Your Part! The U.S. has regulations in place to prevent the introduction of FMD-infected animals and animal products. But...so did many of the currently affected countries. If you suspect a disease problem, report it immediately to your local veterinarian or regulatory animal health official. In the UK, the disease may have been present for three weeks prior to detection. FMD spreads fast! Early detection and reporting are critical. Don't move animals that may be affected. Stop all visitors from entering your premise, if you suspect a problem. Report suspicious cases immediately! Call the USDA-APHIS's Veterinary Services, 512-916-5552 during normal working hours.