Highly contagious foot and mouth disease

FOOT AND Mouth Disease (FMD) is an important, highly contagious disease of cloven footed animals. The losses caused by the disease are mainly due to loss in milk production & reduction in working ability of draught animals.

FMD has zoonotic importance. Humans are slightly susceptible to infection characterized by forming vesicles in mouth/ hands & peoples handling infected material retain the virus act as vehicle for transmission of disease to cattle or pigs. FMD is caused by apthovirus. The virus has A,O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3 & ASIA1 as major serotypes. The disease can be transmitted by direct contact, ingestion of infected material & inhalation also.

The disease is characterised by high fever associated with anorexia, followed by acute painful stomatitis. There is a ropy salivation, smacking of lips, formation of vesicles on buccal mucosa, dental pad & tongue which ruptures within 24 hrs. leaving painful surface which possibly can heals in about a week. Vesicles also appears on feet, particularly on cleft & coronet bands. Hence, animal becomes lame. Vesicles may occure on teats also. Abortion & infertility may also be noticed. Young calves are more susceptible than adults.

The erosion may become ulcers if secondary bacterial infection has occurred. In infected neonates, epicardial haemorrhages are often noticed. Histologically, FMD is characterized by tiger heart appearance. The disease can diagnosed on the basis on symptoms and lesions (oral & digital lesions). Only use of mild disinfectants & protective dressing material with antibiotics can be he helpful.

P. V. Yeotikar & G. R. Gangane

Veterinary College Parbhani

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