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:
Pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, water buffalo, antelope, deer, and bison are affected by FMD.
Management activities:
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.