Some questions, answers and
Internet
links about foot-and-mouth diseaseQ: What is foot-and-mouth disease?
A: It is a
virus-based, highly contagious, airborne disease that affects animals with cloven hoofs,
such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. Once present, the disease spreads quickly.
Q:
Do animals who catch the disease always die?
A: No. The
disease is rarely fatal, but can kill very young animals. The virus runs its course in two
or three weeks, but there is no cure. The virus is characterized by fever and blister-like
lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and
between the hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated
and causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk.
Q:
Can humans catch the disease from animals?
A: Yes, but
very rarely and only by direct handling of sick animals. In humans it is like flu but with
an added sore mouth. People must be kept in quarantine until they have recovered.
Q:
How do you kill the foot-and-mouth virus?
A: The
virus can be killed off by heat, low humidity, or some disinfectants.
Q:
Is there an effective inoculation against the disease?
A: Yes, but
it’s an economic issue. Once an animal is inoculated, it can no longer be sold as
"foot-and-mouth disease-free."
To keep
their national herds salable, European governments are trying to contain the outbreaks
without resorting to inoculations. The United States hasn’t had an outbreak since
1929.
Q:
Where can I find more information about the disease?
A: Check
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website at www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs; e-mail the
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Emergency Operations Center at emoc@aphis.usda.gov.
SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
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