Foot And Mouth Disease

Barry Whitworth, DVM, OSU Cooperative Extension State Livestock Extension Veterinarian

 

The World Organization for Animal Health confirmed an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cattle in Hungary on March 6, 2025. The last reported case of FMD in Hungary occurred on December 31,1973. This is following a previous reported case of FMD in Germany on January 10, 2025. Hungary has not seen a case of FMD in fifty years and Germany has not had a case in forty years. The United States (US) has not experienced a case of FMD since 1929, but the Hungary and Germany experiences remind all livestock producers in the US that FMD is still a threat to livestock operations.

 

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. Important livestock species, that can be infected with the virus, are cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. The disease is not a public health threat. Unfortunately, the disease can spread easily and cause severe economic hardship.

FMD is caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) in the Picornaviridae family. The seven known serotypes of the virus are O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3, and Asia 1. Serotype O is the most common. The serotypes have multiple subtypes. The large number of serotypes makes vaccine development difficult since immunity to one serotype does not protect against others.

 

FMDV can be found in all fluids excreted from infected animals. This includes saliva, urine, feces, fluid from vesicles, semen, amniotic fluid, and aborted fetuses. Expired air from infected animals can transmit the virus in the right environment. The virus can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact with infected animals. The virus can also be spread by contaminated objects and feed.

 

Clinical signs of the disease can vary between species. The most common clinical sign are blisters or vesicles on the tongue, gums, teats, and the interdigital space of the hooves. Other typical symptoms found are fever, loss of appetite, excessive drooling or salivation, lameness, and decreased milk production in dairy animals. In severe cases, particularly in young animals, FMD can cause heart inflammation, leading to sudden death. Most adult animals recover in two to three weeks. Although, some animals never return to full production or have permanent issues such as hoof malformation, chronic lameness, chronic mastitis, and weight loss.

 

FMD is a difficult disease to control. Most animals in the US are very susceptible to FMD. If an outbreak were to occur in the US, the disease could spread rapidly, unless detected early and eliminated. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has worked hard at keeping the disease out of the US. Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continues to work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection at screening cargo at the border. The US restricts importation of animals and animal products from areas affected by FMD. APHIS deploys veterinarians worldwide to assist other countries in their efforts to control and eradicate the disease.

 

If a case of FMD occurs in the US, livestock producers will probably be the first to see it. For this reason, livestock producers should be familiar with the clinical signs of the disease. Any suspicious signs should be reported to their veterinarian. Livestock producers should maintain a good biosecurity plan. A key part of that plan should be to control who may enter their livestock operation. It is especially important to limit those who have traveled outside the US.

FMD is a constant threat to the US livestock industry. An outbreak would have significant economic consequences. US cattle producers should remain vigilant at keeping this disease out of the US. For more information about FMD, cattle producers may want to visit the Secure Beef Supply website at https://www.securebeef.org.

 

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