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Hoof and Mouth Disease. Drexel Titus May 16, 2001. A.K.A Foot and Mouth Disease. Caused by a virus that has a remarkable capacity to survive on dead things First outbreak in U.S. Occurred in 1870 Attacks cattle, sheep, hogs, and other animals with cloven hoofs. Symptoms. Fever
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Hoof and Mouth Disease Drexel Titus May 16, 2001
A.K.A Foot and Mouth Disease • Caused by a virus that has a remarkable capacity to survive on dead things • First outbreak in U.S. Occurred in 1870 • Attacks cattle, sheep, hogs, and other animals with cloven hoofs
Symptoms • Fever • Smacking of the lips • Drooling • Low energy • Stiffness • Blister in the mouth and on the feet • Ulcers after the blisters break • Hooves may separate • Could kill some animals
How It Spreads • People wearing contaminated clothing • Other animals • Contaminated facilities • Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing affected meat or animal products is fed
How It Spreads Continued • Material such as hay, foodstuffs, hides or biologics contaminated with the virus • Contaminated water • Inseminated by an affected bull
Measures of Control • If an outbreak occurs, the federal and state authorities quarantine the area • They kill the infected animal and bury them in quicklime • They disinfect the area and food and clothing
Disease is still Around • So far, there are 1,544 cases in the United Kingdom • 3 in Northern Ireland • 25 in the Netherlands • 2 in France • 1 in Ireland
Prevention and Control • A single infected animal or one contaminated sausage could carry the virus to American Livestock • If an outbreak occurred it would spread very rapidly because out animals have no immunity
FMD in America • If FMD was to spread unchecked, the economic impact could reach billions of dollars in the first year. • Wildlife would remain a reservoir for the virus
What You Can Do • Watching for slobbering, lameness, and other signs of FMD in your herd • Immediately report any unusual or suspicious signs of disease to your veterinarian or other agricultural official • Both early recognition and prompt notification for eradication to be carried out successfully
Resources • The USDA Internet Site • Encyclopedia Britannica Volume F • Funk and Wagnall's Internet Site