WHAT IS FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE?
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven hoofed animals including wildlife.
IMMEDIATE REPORTING IS CRUCIAL!
FMD is a disease that cause devastating economic consequences once it occurs in a country. The first and the most important step that you should make is to notify immediately the veterinarian if you suspect FMD.
WAYS OF TRANSMISSION
• The animal becomes infected through direct contact with infected animals or
indirectly by inhaling contaminated air or eating contaminated feed, contaminated kitchen waste (for pigs) and contaminated.
• The disease will spread through moving infected animals, vehicles and equipment or even by wind.
• Animals can also become infected through skin injures, contaminated instruments and ortificial insemination.
It is most important to report immediately to your veterinarian any change in the health condition of your animals.
Early detection will prevent wide spread of the disease, will save many animals and disease can be more effectively controlled.
WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS OF THE DISEASE?
HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR ANIMALS?
The disease is characterized by the formation of vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) and erosions in the mouth, nose, teats and feet. Although not severe in adult animals, it can be lethal in young individuals.
Typical clinical signs of FMD may include:
• High temperature.
• Loss of appetite.
• Reduced milk production.
• Vesicles develop on the mouth and/or foot.
• Vesicles frequently also develop on the udder and tits.
• Vesicles rupture, leaving erosions 24 hours later.
• Young animals may suddenly die.
• Respecting and implementing strict biosecurity measures.
• Buying animals from registered and approved sources, accompanied by proper health certificate.
• Identification and registration of animals on your farm.
• Maintain good hygiene by regular cleaning and disinfection of the farm and equipment.
• Use only your equipment on your farm.
• Avoid contact of your animals with other animals.
• Restrict entrance of vehicles or visitors on your farm.
• Do not feed your pigs with kitchen waste. It is forbidden! It can pose a high risk of introducing disease to your farm and is an important way of spreading the disease!