Foot and mouth disease in cattle

1. Foot and mouth disease in cattle FMD is a disease commonly found in the cattle population in India being endemic in Asia – the African continent. It is quite a widespread disease process and is considered to be an important viral disease of the ruminants. With strains SAT1, SAT2, SAT 3, ASIA 1, O, A & C, this disease affects both, the cattle as well as the Dairy farmer adversely. Cattle’s quality of life along with productive life seriously hampered with around Rs.18,000 – 22,000 Crores loss annually incurred according to a study. India has 528 million FMD- susceptible animals [Pattnaik et al 2012] which includes a wide variety of animals [Ungulates i.e., cloven-footed animals] such as cows, buffalo, goats, etc. with the disease is so dangerous and widespread. FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE A viral disease caused by the aphthous virus of the family Picornaviridae which affects the cloven-footed animal species such as cow, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, etc. it also affects wildlife such as Bison, elephants, antelopes and deer being particularly susceptible. Foot and Mouth disease is commonly abbreviated as FMD and is locally called ममममममम-ममममममममम in Hindi language. This disease manifests itself as vesicles or blisters erupting on the foot, udder as well as mouth followed by erosion of

2. the affected areas. Restlessness, excessive salivation, discomfort drop in milk yield and production, abortion, lameness and drop in infertility. Young animals are particularly badly affected as this virus causes myocarditis [Inflammation of the Myocardium of the Heart] and death. In susceptible populations, the morbidity rate or the infection rate is as high as 100% which means if an infected animal is introduced to a herd or if the susceptible crowd is accidentally exposed to this virus, there is a good chance that almost 100% or the entire herd will inevitably be infected. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FMD major signs associated with this disease [vesicles/pustules] are located in the foot and mouth region of the cattle. The other signs and symptoms of FMD: 1.Increase in body temperature for 2-3 days with an incubation period of this virus being 1-8 days [Signs and Symptoms start flaring up at around Day 3] 2.Vesicles form in the mouth region, foot, udder 3.These vesicles may rupture further causing erosion leaving a raw scar behind 4.Drooling of sticky, foamy and stringy saliva from the mouth

3. 5.Reduction in food consumption [as these lesions are painful post rupturing] which makes the animal refuse to feed and water. 6.Immunity inevitably falls due to the ongoing viral infection 7.Lameness and weakness 8.Loss of body weight which is caused both due to the ongoing infection as well as secondary anorexia 9.Young animals affected by the FMD virus suffer worse. Myocarditis and death are very rampant in young ones. 10. Production related signs are observed as well. These are: Drop-in milk yield Abortions Reduced capacity of milking Infertility The fertility rate goes downhill Recovered cows still show lower milk yield as compared to the pre-infection yield rate FMD TREATMENT IN CATTLE It is essential to realize that FMD is a viral disease and it spreads through aerosols, contaminated fomites -milking equipment, infected handling instruments, clothing, shoes, and transport vehicles could potentially be the vehicle for disease particulates. Infected food and water too can potentially spread the disease further. FMD is a

4. dangerous disease which can spread rather quickly, causing morbidity or infection at a much higher rate than anticipated, this disease can be easily prevented by- 1. Vaccination A vaccine is an efficient tool for protecting and safeguarding cattle from the threat of viral diseases and has to be on time. The vaccination schedule of FMD is as follows: 1st dose of the vaccine- To be given at the age of 4 months and above 2nd dose [Booster Dose] -To be given a 1-month post the previous dose Subsequent Dose – every 6 months - annually. 2. Ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation Sanitation is an important step which should never be overlooked or ignored. There are many diseases and infections which flare up given the poor sanitation protocols or poor managemental practices. Having good managemental practices and sanitation protocol is critical for the health management of both: animals as well as animal handlers or dairy farmers. STEPS TO FOLLOW: Ensure cleanliness of the cattle Ensure cleanliness of milking apparatus Ensure cleanliness of farm helpers or persons who are milking the cattle.

5. Ensure that the dairy farm is well protected. All vehicles entering the farm must be sanitized properly. 3. Boosting immunity Immunity is the key to survival. Immunity can be boosted by various techniques such as good quality ration, stress- free and healthy lifestyle, immune-modulators, etc. WHAT IF THERE IS AN FMD OUTBREAK? If there is an FMD outbreak nearby, there lies a threat that your farm could come under the clutches of this viral outbreak. The most important step is to follow strict sanitation protocols. Novel Foomasule No 1 is an efficient tool to protect your cattle in case of an FMD outbreak nearby. Foomasule No.1 gives immunity against all strains of the FMD virus and develops resistance within 48 hours to 72 hours. With the FMD outbreak on your farm, isolate the infected animals and protect the ones who are immunologically competent. For affected animals, the treatment is usually symptomatic which includes, saline antibiotics to prevent any secondary infections, vitamins and treating the local lesions. Foomasule No.2 responds against all strains of infections and cures mouth lesions and the animal starts grazing as soon as possible. There is reduced salivation which corresponds to the start of the Homeopathic drug

6. recovery phase. The foot lesions start drying up faster preventing any exogenous growth between footpads.