Foot and Mouth Disease is one of the most important viral diseases in the world due to its economic impact on the livestock industry. It is extremely contagious and infects cloven hooved animals such as cattle, pigs and sheep; but not odd-toed ungulates like horses and rhinos. Visible symptoms consist of vesicles and erosions in and around the mouth such as the tongue, hard palate and gums; as well as the hooves and teats (in lactating animals). This can cause them to become recumbent and unable to eat. These lesions may develop secondary bacterial infections – leading to chronic lameness and mastitis.
Although it rarely causes death of the affected animals, morbidity can reach up to 100% in a susceptible herd. It can spread through direct contact between animals, through the air (up to multiple kilometres), secretions, feed and water troughs as well as other inanimate objects. Spread through a susceptible herd happens rapidly (within days). People can also carry it on their skin and clothes and transmit it to another animal.
There is no effective treatment for FMD. Treatment consists of symptomatic and supportive care. If no secondary bacterial infections are present, the lesions usually heal within a couple of weeks.
Why is the disease so important you may ask?
The disease causes severe weight (meat) loss and milk production losses. This might result in a farm not being financially viable anymore and close production completely. At a local/national level it negatively impacts food security. At an international level it causes substantial economic losses due to the banning of exports of animal derived products.
How is it controlled?
FMD is a state-controlled disease. Methods of control include the culling of animals on infected premises/farms, movement control and vaccination. It is the prerogative of the State Authorities to decide how they will control a FMD outbreak or outbreak area.
Common questions:
- Can the animal products of infected animals still be utilised? Yes, meat and milk products from infected animals can still be fit for human consumption. Like all meat and milk products they should be properly handled/processed to ensure its fitness for human consumption.
- Can my dog or cat get Foot and Mouth Disease? No, there is no need to worry about your dog or cat getting infected with Foot and Mouth Disease, but they can act as a carrier for the disease.
- Can I get Foot and Mouth Disease? No, humans are not susceptible to FMD, but can also act as carriers between susceptible animals. FMD is not to be confused with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease in humans.
Dr Gerrit Pretorius