A highly contagious viral disease caused by a Picornaviridae that affects artiodactyls (hoofed animals with an even number of claws), which has a major economic impact.
Affected species
Artiodactyls
Man
Highly resistant, only rarely infected, in the event of massive exposure or predisposition. Generally asymptomatic. Exceptionally, signs of fever, headaches, sore throat and mouth ulcers.
Pathogens
Modes of transmission
Sources
Transmission
Penetration may be via the mucous membranes, particularly through the oropharynx.
Symptoms
Incubation: two to 14 days.
Cattle
Sheep and goats
Ditto but less marked lesions in the mouth, primarily foot lesions, agalactia, death of young stock.
Pigs
Ditto + lesions on snout, serious foot lesions (often the only symptom), high mortality among piglets.
Lesions
Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis
Ulcers, salivation, stamping, lameness, mammilitis, high death rate, death of young animals. All these signs point to foot and mouth disease, which should be confirmed as soon as possible, given the degree of contagiousness.
Differential diagnosis
Foot and mouth disease should not be confused (depending on the species) with :
Laboratory diagnosis
Virological diagnosis :
Serological diagnosis on blood (dry tube) :
Treatment
Sanitary prophylaxis
This is difficult as the virus is both highly contagious and resistant, spreads in a range of ways and affects numerous species.
Defensive measures
Based on protecting disease-free zones by controlling and monitoring animal movements on the edge of the zones (eg prohibiting imports of animals and animal products from infected countries or imposing quarantine pending negative serological results, surveillance of events involving large numbers of animals, such as fairs, markets, etc).
Offensive measures
Isolation and culling of infected animals and susceptible animals that have been in contact with infected animals.
Destruction of carcasses, litter and products made from susceptible animals.
Disinfection of premises with caustic soda at 8‰, twice with an interval of two weeks between treatments, sanitary break, disinfection of vehicles and all infected equipment (tools, clothing, etc).
Sterilization of swill.
Controls on human and animal movements.
Increased sanitary surveillance of herds.
Vaccines
Vaccine prepared with an inactivated virus. May contain an adjuvant chosen according to the target serotype (many vaccines are multivalent).
Refer to the strategy and legislation in force in the country concerned.
More information
Edwards - 2.1.1. Foot-and-Mouth disease. In Manual of standards for diagnostics tests and vaccines, 4th Edition, Office International des Epizooties.