Threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

Emilie, veterinarian

Written by Emilie, veterinarian

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Threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) | Herbavita

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Latest news on FMD

Until the early 1990s, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the European Union was controlled by preventive vaccination. However, since 1991, the use of preventive vaccination has been prohibited.

On Friday, the 10th of January 2025, three water buffaloes in Brandenburg, Germany, were confirmed to be infected with the FMD virus. As a precautionary measure, all animals on the affected farm were culled. The local authorities immediately implemented strict control and protection measures to prevent any further spread of the virus.

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a serious and highly contagious, notifiable viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer. Since there is no available treatment for FMD, prevention and rapid response are critical to controlling its spread.

In addition to cloven-hoofed animals, rats are also believed to be susceptible to the virus. Although they do not exhibit symptoms of FMD, rats can carry and excrete the virus in their faeces over an extended period, contributing to the transmission of the disease.

Is foot-and-mouth disease dangerous for humans?

Foot-and-mouth disease is not dangerous for humans. In rare cases, people can become infected, but this only occurs through direct contact with infected livestock, consuming contaminated raw meat, or drinking unpasteurized milk.

While FMD does not cause serious illness in humans, individuals can temporarily carry the virus. This means they can unintentionally spread the disease for several days, for example through contaminated clothes, shoes or hands.

Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions when handling infected livestock, particularly in agricultural settings.

Importantly, FMD does not pose a threat to other animal species such as horses, dogs, cats, or poultry.

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How does the FMD virus spread?

The FMD virus spreads at an exceptionally high rate through various routes. It can transmit via direct animal-to-animal contact, as well as indirectly through animal-to-human-to-animal transmission, contaminated animal products, objects (such as tools, equipment, or clothing), and transport vehicles.

The virus is highly resilient and can remain infectious outside a host for extended periods. For instance, it can survive on the animal’s coat for up to one month and on contaminated clothing for as long as three months. Additionally, the FMD virus is capable of surviving in the air under conditions of 60% relative humidity or higher. This enables it to spread via wind over substantial distances, sometimes exceeding 50 km.

The incubation period for FMD ranges from 2 to 14 days. A key factor contributing to the rapid spread of FMD is early virus shedding, where the virus begins to spread before visible signs of infection appear. This characteristic makes outbreaks difficult to detect in their initial stages and allows the disease to spread unnoticed.

The type of animal also influences the spread of FMD. Pigs, for example, release significantly more airborne virus particles than sheep or cattle, increasing the risk of airborne transmission in areas with large pig populations.

Symptoms of FMD

Foot-and-mouth disease starts with fever, followed by the development of painful blisters in various locations. These blisters can occur in the following areas:

  • In and around the muzzle: This often causes pain and makes eating difficult.
  • On the coronary band and secondary claws: Blisters in these areas can make walking painful and challenging.
  • On the skin of the interdigital space (between the claws): Blisters here may rupture, increasing the risk of secondary infections.
  • On the udder and teats (in cows and sows): Painful blisters in these areas can significantly impact milking and nursing.

Affected animals typically appear sick, with a reduced appetite and noticeable lethargy. In cattle, the infection often causes a sharp decline in milk production, accompanied by visible drooling.

While FMD can affect animals of all ages, young animals are particularly vulnerable. In these cases, the disease often takes a severe course, with mortality rates reaching up to 100%. In adult animals, the disease is rarely fatal but can leave them weakened for an extended period.

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The viral role of immunity and support in production animals.

Viruses cannot be treated with drugs, making the animal’s immune system the most critical defense against infections. Immunity serves as the first and foremost barrier against pathogens, playing an indispensable role in safeguarding the health of production animals.

Keeping production animals healthy and disease-free remains a significant challenge. The intensive environments in which these animals are raised can place considerable strain on their natural resistance, making immune support even more vital.

Optimal support of the immune system is crucial, particularly during periods of heightened stress or increased disease risk. A robust immune system not only equips animals to better withstand external challenges but also enhances their overall health, resilience, and productivity.

Micronutrients, including essential vitamins and minerals, are vital for boosting immunity, ensuring that animals have robust defenses against harmful influences. Additionally, plant extracts and herbs offer natural support for immune function. By combining these powerful elements, the animals’ resistance and resilience can be significantly enhanced, particularly during stressful periods or when their health is compromised.

To provide targeted immune support, Herbavita offers a specialized range of supplements tailored to meet the unique needs of various animal species. These products are specifically designed to optimize immune function and help animals better cope with challenging conditions:

  • Herbacid Cow, Herbacid Beef Cattle, and Herbacid Calf: Ideal supplement for cattle, combining plant extracts and essential nutrients to boost resistance and promote recovery.
  • Vitachoc Boost and Vitachoc E100+SE50: Versatile supplements suitable for cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. These supplements contain a potent blend of vitamins, trace elements, and antioxidants, providing animals with a rapid and effective boost during critical periods, such as vaccinations or stressful situations.

Administering these supplements strategically—during (emergency) vaccinations or other stress-inducing events—can significantly enhance animals’ resilience. This not only strengthens their ability to withstand external challenges but also improves the effectiveness of vaccinations and other preventive health measures.

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Emilie

Emilie

Regulatory Affairs Officer – Veterinary Surgeon