Hoof and Mouth Disease Drexel Titus May 16, 2001

A.K.A Foot and Mouth Disease Caused by a virus that has a remarkable capacity to survive on dead things First outbreak in U.S. Occurred in 1870 Attacks cattle, sheep, hogs, and other animals with cloven hoofs

Symptoms –Fever –Smacking of the lips –Drooling –Low energy –Stiffness –Blister in the mouth and on the feet –Ulcers after the blisters break –Hooves may separate –Could kill some animals

How It Spreads People wearing contaminated clothing Other animals Contaminated facilities Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing affected meat or animal products is fed

How It Spreads Continued Material such as hay, foodstuffs, hides or biologics contaminated with the virus Contaminated water Inseminated by an affected bull

Measures of Control If an outbreak occurs, the federal and state authorities quarantine the area They kill the infected animal and bury them in quicklime They disinfect the area and food and clothing

Disease is still Around So far, there are 1,544 cases in the United Kingdom 3 in Northern Ireland 25 in the Netherlands 2 in France 1 in Ireland

Where are the current outbreaks?

Prevention and Control A single infected animal or one contaminated sausage could carry the virus to American Livestock If an outbreak occurred it would spread very rapidly because out animals have no immunity

FMD in America If FMD was to spread unchecked, the economic impact could reach billions of dollars in the first year. Wildlife would remain a reservoir for the virus

What You Can Do Watching for slobbering, lameness, and other signs of FMD in your herd Immediately report any unusual or suspicious signs of disease to your veterinarian or other agricultural official Both early recognition and prompt notification for eradication to be carried out successfully

Computerized image of FMD

Resources The USDA Internet Site Encyclopedia Britannica Volume F Funk and Wagnall's Internet Site

Thank You for Your Attention