What is Foot and Mouth Disease? What are the symptoms of FMD?

Foot and Mouth (FMD) is a serious, fast-spreading viral disease that mainly affects even-toed ungulates such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. It is one of the most difficult animal diseases to control. Most infected animals survive but remain weak. They cannot produce the same level of meat and milk as before the infection. This disease causes serious sores on the feet and mouth of animals. Foot and mouth disease caused by the Aphtovirus species belonging to the Picornaviridae family is highly contagious. The disease causes serious production losses and economic losses in animals. It also poses a major threat to international trade and livestock due to its potential for rapid spread.

What is Foot and Mouth Disease?

It is a serious, highly contagious viral disease of farm animals. The disease affects cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and other cloven-toed ruminants. The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals. However, myocarditis may occur in young animals. Additionally, when the mother contracts the disease, there is often a high mortality rate due to lack of milk.

FMD; It is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the nipples, and between the hooves. The disease causes severe production losses, and while most affected animals recover, the disease often leaves them weak and weak. At this point “What is foot and mouth disease?” question comes to your mind. This is a disease caused by aphthovirus, an organism from the Picornaviridae family. It has seven variants (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3 and Asia1) that are endemic in different countries around the world. Each variant requires a specific vaccine to provide immunity to a vaccinated animal.

What are the symptoms of FMD?

There are 7 known species and more than 60 subspecies of the FMD virus. So immunity to one species does not protect animals against other species or subspecies. The first symptoms of the disease usually appear 2 to 14 days after infection. Foot and mouth disease symptoms can be listed as follows:

• Fire
• Bubbles/Vesicles
• Blisters may develop on the tongue and lips, in and around the mouth, on the mammary glands, and around the hooves. These blisters burst and are filled with clear or cloudy fluid.
• When blisters burst, they leave raw, eroded areas surrounded by loose pieces of tissue.
• excessive salivation
• The saliva of infected animals may be sticky, foamy and stringy.
• Loss of appetite
• Painful blisters on the tongue and mouth can cause animals to eat less.
• Lameness and reluctance to move or stand
• Spontaneous abortion and infertility may occur in animals.
• Dairy cows may have low productivity.
• Heart disease and death

These symptoms are more common especially in newborn animals.

What are the Types of Foot and Mouth Disease?

This disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals and is characterized by a variety of serotypes. Serotypes are based on differences in the surface antigens of the virus. Each may be effective in different geographic regions and different animal populations. Main types of foot and mouth disease and the features of these serotypes are as follows:

serotype

It is the most common and most widely distributed serotype of foot-and-mouth disease. It occurs in many regions around the world and is known to be the main cause of epidemics. This serotype can spread rapidly, showing high virulence. Outbreaks of serotype O often cause high morbidity in animals. However, mortality is generally low. It is one of the serotypes commonly targeted in vaccine development.

Serotypes A

It is generally found widely in Asian and African regions. The serotype, which has a highly variable structure, has different subtypes. Serotype A can form different variants in different regions due to changes in the genetic structure of the virus. This makes the disease difficult to control. Outbreaks of serotype A can lead to major economic losses and require effective control measures.

Serotypes C

It is less common and has caused outbreaks in some areas in the past. However, the prevalence of this serotype has decreased in recent years. Regarding serotype C, historical data indicate that the impact of this serotype is significant. However, outbreaks caused by this serotype are extremely rare today. It has caused serious epidemics in the past, especially in South America and some European countries.

Asian 1 Serotypes

It is a serotype that is especially common in the Asian continent. This serotype, identified in the 1950s, has caused significant epidemics, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Asia 1 serotype poses a major threat to animal populations in the region. Epidemics often result in serious economic losses. Regional vaccination campaigns play an important role in controlling this serotype.

SAT Serotypes (SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3)

Serotypes SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3 are common in Africa. SAT stands for “Southern African Territories”. These serotypes are endemic among cloven-hoofed animals on the African continent. SAT serotypes can cause major epidemics in the region and have serious impacts on local animal populations. Each SAT serotype has different characteristics and potential for spread. This complicates control and vaccination strategies.

How is FMD diagnosed?

It is usually done based on clinical symptoms. However, the definitive diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory tests. Diagnosis of foot and mouth disease The methods used for are listed below:

• Virus Isolation: Isolation of the virus in a laboratory environment.
• PCR Tests: Tests that detect the genetic material of the virus.
• Serological Tests: Tests that detect antibodies against the virus in the animal’s blood.
• ELISA Tests: Determining the presence of the virus with enzyme-linked immunosorbent testing.

How is FMD Transmitted?

foot and mouth disease contagion is extremely high. The most common route of transmission is direct contact with infected animals. The virus can be transmitted to other animals through the body fluids, wounds and respiratory secretions of infected animals. It can also be transmitted through the air. The virus can spread through the air over short distances. It can reach other animals through aerosol droplets from infected animals.

Contaminated equipment and clothing also play an important role in the spread of FMD. Equipment, vehicles and clothing that come into contact with infected animals can transmit the virus to other animals. Likewise, feed and water sources contaminated with the virus can also transmit the disease. Secretions from infected animals can contaminate water and feed sources. In addition, humans can also be a factor in the spread of FMD. People who come into contact with infected animals can transmit the virus to other animals through their clothing, hands or equipment. Therefore, strict biosecurity measures must be followed when working with infected animals.

How is FMD Treated?

It is mainly based on symptomatic treatment. Because foot and mouth disease treatment There is no specific antiviral method for . Medications are used to reduce pain and inflammation and prevent secondary bacterial infections. In addition, attention is paid to ensuring the nutrition and hydration of the animals through supportive care.

Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Methods

Especially hygiene as always Ways to prevent foot and mouth disease It comes first among them. For this reason, washing your hands after contact with animals is the first precaution you can take. Additionally, materials such as mud or bedding on clothing, boots, equipment, or vehicles can carry the virus from farm to farm or to different groups of animals on the farm. For this reason, after the farm visit, attention should be paid to hygiene and the equipment used should be cleaned. However, if you move between different groups of animals on the farm, you will need to thoroughly clean yourself, your vehicle, and anything you are carrying. It is recommended that you avoid visiting different farms unless necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.

If you have animals, you can examine them regularly for signs of disease. In particular, you can keep different animal species separate. If possible, you can avoid moving animals from one part of the farm to another. Additionally, when handling your animals, remember that sheep do not always show obvious signs of the disease and you may unintentionally infect other animals.

Is Foot and Mouth Disease Transmitted to Humans?

It is a disease that generally affects animals and the risk of transmission to humans is quite low. However, although rare, infection can occur in humans. If infected with humans, mild flu-like symptoms and mouth sores may occur. Therefore, it is important to avoid direct contact with infected animals and observe personal hygiene rules.