Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-footed animals, both domestic and wild, in most regions of the world except North and Central America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

The virus is a member of the Picornaviridae. Seven main serotypes are known and include a large number of subtypes which pose a significant problem in vaccinating against the disease. Spread takes place very readily by direct contact between animals and by the airborne route. Internationally, trade in meat and other animal products has led to spread to clean areas.

Diagnosis is by clinical observation backed by serological tests for differentiation from other vesicular conditions of livestock such as vesicular stomatitis and swine vesicular disease.

Control in areas suffering sporadic infection is best achieved by slaughter, destruction of infected carcases and disinfection. Where the disease is endemic, vaccination campaigns reduce the incidence and, in the absence of reimportation of virus, can lead to eradication.