Foot and Mouth Disease
Aphthae epizooticae
Foot and Mouth Disease
About:
Pathogen
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Aphthae epizooticae , is a highly infectious and sometimes deadly virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including pigs, cattle, and sheep. FMD causes fever, blisters, and lameness in affected animals. During outbreaks, millions of animals can be culled, resulting in large economic losses.
Risks:
Foot and mouth disease is highly infectious and spreads quickly in farm settings. Containment efforts include (1) vaccination, (2) monitoring, (3) quarantines, (4) culling animals, and (5) trade restrictions.
Management activities:
Pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, water buffalo, antelope, deer, and bison are affected by FMD.