Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that chiefly affects cloven-hoofed animals, particularly cattle, swine, and sheep. The disease is caused by a member of the Picornaviridae family known as foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV). It is characterized by the formation of vesicles or blisters on the mouth, nose, feet, and udder of infected animals. FMDV is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, their secretions, or contaminated materials such as feed or equipment.
The symptoms of foot and mouth disease include fever, drooling, lameness, reduced milk production, and weight loss. Affected animals may exhibit reluctance to move, eat, or drink due to the painful blisters in their mouths and hoofs. Besides the considerable economic impact on the livestock industry, foot and mouth disease can also have severe consequences on animal welfare.
To control and prevent the spread of FMD, strict quarantine measures are implemented whenever an outbreak occurs. Vaccination campaigns are conducted in endemic regions and countries with a higher risk of infection. Additionally, thorough disinfection procedures are essential to halt the transmission of the virus. Import and export regulations for livestock and animal products are also enhanced to limit the introduction of the virus into disease-free areas.
Foot and mouth disease is not considered a significant threat to human health, as humans are rarely affected. However, in extremely rare cases, humans can contract a mild self-limiting illness if directly exposed to the virus.
