Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated equipment, or airborne particles. Animals with FMD often develop blisters in their mouths, on their hooves, and around their udders, leading to pain, lameness, and decreased productivity like milk or meat production. Although FMD rarely infects humans, it can cause severe economic losses in livestock industries and trade restrictions. Control measures include quarantine, vaccination, and culling infected animals to prevent widespread outbreaks.