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Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most infectious viral diseases known. It affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and water buffalo. FMD virus is a member of the Picornavirus family with seven immunologically distinct serotypes (O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3, and Asia 1) and over 60 sub-types. FMD is not considered zoonotic by the CDC — only one confirmed human case occurred in 1966 in Great Britain. FMD is not the same as Hand, Foot and Mouth disease in humans.

An FMD outbreak leads to economic sanctions including the loss of export markets. The U.S. has experienced 9 FMD outbreaks since 1870; an outbreak today could result in losses of billions of dollars. Report any suspected disease to state or federal veterinary officials immediately.

Clinical Signs

The incubation period is 2–14 days. Signs include:

• Blisters/vesicles of the muzzle, nose, tongue, feet, and teats
• Anorexia and excessive salivation
• Lameness and depression
• Abortion and decreased milk production
• Death in newborn animals due to myocarditis

Transmission

FMD is usually transmitted through direct contact or inhalation. Carrier animals shed virus for more than 28 days after infection. Routes of initial infection include:

• Improperly sterilized garbage or illegally imported meat used as pig feed
• Contact with contaminated clothing, shoes, or equipment
• Contact with live animal carriers, including birds and rodents
• Contaminated artificial insemination products
• Windborne spread
• Deliberate act of bioterrorism

Cattle may shed virus for up to 2 years. Pigs shed large amounts into the air, amplifying spread. Sheep and goats often show mild signs but may shed for up to 6 months.

Biosecurity Measures

• Isolate incoming animals from the rest of the herd and monitor for clinical signs
• Follow All In/All Out management and disinfect facilities between groups
• Require visitors to wear clean boots and coveralls
• Do not allow visitors who have been in contact with animals internationally for five days prior
• Clean and disinfect livestock trucks before farm entry
• Dispose of carcasses promptly and correctly
• Discourage employees from bringing food onto the farm (that may have been illegally imported)
• Implement effective rodent and insect control
• Always report any suspected disease to a veterinarian immediately

Eradication Procedures

Stamping Out

All infected premises are placed under quarantine. Infected and in-contact animals are slaughtered with government compensation. Carcasses, manure, and bedding are incinerated, and premises disinfected. FMD-free status is regained 3 months after the last case.

Ring Vaccination

In animal-dense areas, a vaccinated buffer zone is created around infected premises. Animals within the ring are then subject to stamping out procedures. The correct strain of FMD virus must be available for the vaccine to be effective. Vaccines are stored at the North American FMD Vaccine Bank on Plum Island.

Notable Historical Outbreaks

• United Kingdom, 2001: Over 6 million animals slaughtered; cost to the UK economy was £7 billion. Traced to unprocessed garbage fed to pigs at Burnside Farm in Northumberland.
• Taiwan, 1997: Over 3.8 million swine destroyed at an estimated cost of US $6.9 billion. Eliminated Taiwan's pork export market.
• United Kingdom, 1967: 442,285 animals slaughtered at an estimated cost of £370 million. Traced to legally imported lamb from Argentina contaminated with the virus.