A disease caused by a highly infectious virus
that can infect people but affects them most by infecting livestock -- cattle, pigs,
sheep and goats. The foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is in the same family of
viruses as those causing the common cold.
T he virus is spread by many routes -- by contact with infected animals; by people
exposed to the virus who develop no symptoms or just skin lesions but who harbor
and spread FMDV; by items as varied as shoes, clothing, vehicles, farm implements,
meat, milk and garbage that are contaminated with the virus; and by air. The virus
incubates for from 2 days to over 2 weeks before an animal begins to show signs
of the disease.
Cattle develop fever and blisters in their mouths, lose their appetites, lose
weight and produce less milk. Pigs develop severe foot sores that make it impossible
for them to walk. In sheep and goats, the foot problems are less obvious and may
allow them to spread the infection. In all species, adult animals typically recover
within two weeks, but death rates among young animals can be high. The many other
susceptible animals include rats, deer and even elephants.
The available vaccines are directed against some of the serotypes (varieties)
of the virus are ineffective because they induce immunity for only 6 months or so
and vaccinated animals can become carriers of the virus even if they do not become
sick. Vaccinated cattle who come in contact with the virus may harbor infectious
virus in their mouths and throats for up to 30 months, and vaccinated sheep can
become similar viral vectors for 9 months.
The disease is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America.
In 2001 the disease spread through farms in Britain, leading to quarantines, the
mass slaughter of animals and agricultural damages amounting to an estimated $4.4
billion. The last large-scale outbreak of foot-and-mouth in the US occurred in the
1920's. Neither Canada nor Mexico has had an outbreak since the 1950's. But a single
case would instantly shut down the export of all animal products.
Foot-and-mouth disease is not to be confused with hand-foot-and-mouth disease
which affects people and causes a rash on the hands and feet and in the mouth.
Common Misspellings: foot-and-mouth diease, foot-and-mouth desease
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