- Home
- Knowledge library
- Foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, with significant economic impact.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office. Failure to do so is an offence.
The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals but mortality rates are high in young animals and in susceptible populations morbidity approaches 100%. Those animals that recover are usually weakened and debilitated.
What animals are affected?
FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals including:
- Cattle
- Sheep
- Pigs
- Goats
- Deer
It does not affect humans.
Where is the disease found?
FMD is endemic in several parts of the world including Africa and the Middle East.
Even if an area is free of FMD, the disease can occur sporadically.
The last outbreak in Great Britain was in 2007. There are no current cases or control zones in the UK.
How is the disease transmitted and spread?
FMD is transmitted through excretions and secretions of infected animals.
The virus can be present in milk and semen up to four days before clinical signs of the disease are detected.
Animals that recover may act as carriers of the disease.
The disease can be spread through:
- The breath of infected animals
- Contaminated pens and buildings or vehicles
- Contaminated food or water
- Infected meat or animal products
- Raw or improperly cooked fed to susceptible animals
What are the clinical signs of the disease?
The typical clinical sign is blistering. Blisters appear on the nose, tongue, lips, in the mouth, between toes, above the hooves, teats and pressure points.
Blisters can rupture leading to lameness, with the animal reluctant to move or eat; infection of ruptured blisters can also occur.
Other signs include:
- Fever
- Hypersalivation
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Drop in milk production
View photos of the clinical signs of FMD
Prevention and control of the disease
It is essential for livestock owners and producers to maintain sound biosecurity practices to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus:
-
Control over access to livestock by people and equipment
-
Control the introduction of new animals to existing stock
-
Maintain sanitation of livestock pens, buildings, vehicles and equipment
-
Monitor and report illness
-
Appropriate disposal of manure and dead carcases
Source: World Organisation for Animal Health