WHY IS FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IMPORTANT?
FMD outbreaks can cause extreme economic losses for infected areas. Although many animals survive infection, there are serious consequences. The disease 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. Due to painful blisters and lesions in the mouth, infected animals loose weight and often never gain it back. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk. Because it spreads widely and rapidly and because it has grave economic as well as clinical consequences, FMD is one of the animal diseases that livestock owners dread most. HOW DO YOU GET RID OF FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE? The virus can be killed off by heat, low humidity, or some disinfectants. It is only rarely fatal, although it is more likely to kill very young animals. There is no cure for the disease, and it usually runs its course in 2 or 3 weeks wi
