Foot-and-mouth disease can occur in all domestic or wild animals. In chronic cases, it can be defined as a viral infection that causes death in weak and young animals and causes loss of meat, milk and labor in general.
Foot and mouth infection is caused by the Aphtovirus subgroup of the Picornaviridae family. There are seven different serotypes. The absence of cross-immunity within serotypes strengthens the ability to fight the disease. The transmission rate of the virus is high.
What are the Symptoms of Foot and Mouth Disease?
The first clinical findings seen in cattle are fever, loss of appetite, depression and decrease in milk yield. Within a day, saliva flow occurs and vesicles form on the tongue and gums.
These vesicles can be seen between the two fingers, in the coronary part, on the skin of the udder, on the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. When the vesicles rupture, large ulcerative wounds may form. Although sores on the tongue usually heal within a few days, lesions on the feet and nasal area can often be exposed to second bacterial viruses.
How is Foot and Mouth Disease Transmitted?
The most obvious way of transmission of foot-and-mouth disease is through inhalation of the airborne virus. Infected or incubating animals spread the virus through inhalation, skin, bodily excretions, milk and semen. The disease can also be transmitted through contaminated animal food, contaminated tools and equipment, humans, wild animals, birds, wind and transportation vehicles.
Foot and Mouth Disease Treatment
Animals infected with foot-and-mouth disease cannot be treated. Therefore, the disease must be controlled. The spread of the disease can be prevented by vaccination. By destroying sick animals and animals in contact with them, it is aimed to consume the virus source and break the life course of the virus. Sick and suspected sick animals, contaminated products, meat, milk, etc. are destroyed.