Understanding Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): A Threat to Livestock

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. While not typically fatal in adult animals, it can cause severe illness, production losses, and economic disruption.

What is Foot and Mouth Disease?

FMD is caused by a virus known as an Aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family. There are seven different types (or serotypes) of the virus, each requiring a specific vaccine for protection. The disease spreads quickly and can severely impact farming, trade, and food supply chains.

Symptoms of FMD

Infected animals usually show symptoms within 2 to 14 days of exposure. Common signs include:

Fever
Blisters on the tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and between the hooves
Excessive drooling or slobbering
Lameness and reluctance to move
Reduced appetite and weight loss
Decreased milk production (in dairy animals)
Death in young animals due to heart complications

How is FMD Spread?

FMD is one of the most contagious animal diseases, spreading through:

Direct contact with infected animals
Airborne transmission over short distances
Contaminated feed, water, equipment, clothing, or footwear
Transport vehicles carrying infected animals or animal products
Meat or dairy products from infected animals

Even animals that recover from FMD can sometimes carry and spread the virus, leading to future outbreaks.

Is FMD Dangerous to Humans?

FMD is not considered a public health threat. It is extremely rare for humans to contract the virus, and when they do, symptoms are usually mild.

Preventing and Controlling FMD

Since FMD spreads rapidly, early detection and strong prevention measures are crucial. Here are key steps for controlling outbreaks:

Farm-Level Prevention:

Biosecurity Measures:
- Limit farm access to essential personnel
- Clean and disinfect clothing, equipment, and vehicles
- Quarantine new or returning animals before mixing with herds
- Proper disposal of manure and carcasses
Monitoring & Reporting:
- Regularly check animals for symptoms
- Immediately report suspected cases to veterinary authorities

Outbreak Response:

Culling infected and exposed animals to prevent further spread
Restricting livestock movement in affected areas
Disinfecting infected premises and equipment
Surveillance and tracing to identify potential exposure
Quarantine and controlled zones to limit virus transmission

The Role of Vaccination:

Vaccination is an important tool in controlling FMD outbreaks. However, since each serotype of the virus requires a specific vaccine, authorities must identify the circulating strain before administering vaccines. Effective vaccination campaigns require at least 80% coverage in targeted populations to stop the spread.

The Economic Impact of FMD

FMD outbreaks have serious consequences for farmers and the economy:

Loss of Productivity: Infected animals produce less milk and grow more slowly.
Trade Restrictions: Countries with outbreaks face bans on exporting livestock and animal products.
High Control Costs: Containing an outbreak requires extensive surveillance, vaccination, and culling efforts.

Recent Outbreaks and Global Vigilance

In January 2025, an outbreak of FMD was confirmed in a small herd of water buffalo in Brandenburg, Germany. Authorities quickly implemented control measures, including culling infected animals and restricting movement. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of FMD and the importance of biosecurity measures worldwide.

Final Thoughts

FMD is a serious disease that requires coordinated efforts to prevent, control, and eliminate outbreaks. Farmers, veterinarians, and government authorities play a key role in ensuring that livestock remain healthy and that the disease does not disrupt agriculture and trade. By staying vigilant, following strict biosecurity protocols, and using vaccination when necessary, we can minimize the impact of FMD on the livestock industry and global economy.

Sources: