Foot and mouth disease

Foot and mouth disease

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and various wild species like buffalo and antelope like sable, gemsbok, eland, kudu and impala, to mention a few. It's considered one of the most economically devastating livestock diseases worldwide. Because of this, it is a notifiable disease.

Cause

·         Virus: Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), genus Aphthovirus, family Picornaviridae.

·         Strains: There are 7 serotypes (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, Asia1) with many subtypes, meaning immunity to one does not protect against others.

 

Transmission

  • Direct contact with infected animals (saliva, milk, faeces, semen).
  • Indirect contact via contaminated feed, water, clothing, equipment, vehicles.
  • Airborne spread is possible over long distances under favourable conditions.

 

Clinical Signs

Varies by species and age, but common signs include:

In cattle:

  • Fever, followed by vesicles (blisters) on:
    • Mouth (lips, tongue, gums)
    • Feet (coronary band, interdigital space)
    • Teats
  • Drooling, reluctance to move, lameness
  • Blisters rupture, leaving painful erosions

In pigs:

  • More severe foot lesions, often lameness before oral signs
  • Vesicles may cause hooves to slough

In sheep/goats:

  • Often milder signs
  • May go undetected, aiding spread

 

Diagnosis

  • Laboratory testing is essential:
    • RT-PCR
    • ELISA
    • Virus isolation
  • Notifiable disease: Must be reported to veterinary authorities so rapid and consequent actions can be taken to prevent an economic disaster

 

 Control & Prevention

  • Quarantine and movement restrictions
  • Culling infected and in-contact animals (in outbreak zones)
  • Vaccination:
    • Used strategically
    • Must match circulating serotype
  • Biosecurity measures: disinfection, protective clothing, vehicle control

 

 Economic and Global Impact

  • Causes trade restrictions and massive economic losses
  • Outbreaks lead to:
    • Mass culling
    • Export bans
    • Loss of milk and meat production

 

 

Important Notes

  • Not zoonotic: Doesn’t infect humans (often confused with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in children, which is unrelated)
  • Africa and parts of Asia and South America are endemic areas
  • Wildlife reservoirs (e.g., African buffalo in Kruger National Park) can complicate control efforts in some countries

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South Africa Faces Worsening Foot and mouth Disease Outbreak

South Africa is currently grappling with a significant foot and mouth outbreak, closely mirroring recent events in parts of Europe. Numerous positive cases have now been reported outside the traditional endemic and control zones, escalating concern across the agricultural sector.

Although the identified strain is not considered particularly virulent, the economic consequences are proving severe. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential halt in livestock purchases by major buyers such as Karan Beef. Positive cases in their feedlots could, and has, disrupted operations causing rippling effects through the entire value chain. This is likely going to depress meat prices and place additional strain on farmers who are already struggling with limited grazing resources during the winter months.

The impact on subsistence farmers is especially dire. Many rely on the occasional sale of livestock to meet urgent financial needs. With reduced market access and falling prices, their livelihoods are at serious risk.

Adding to the strain is the temporary suspension of beef exports. Key trade partners, including China, have closed their markets to South African beef, compounding the economic fallout.

In response, the South African government has initiated a vaccination campaign, paired with targeted culling measures. These efforts aim to contain the outbreak and restore market confidence as swiftly as possible.

The situation remains dire, and stakeholders across the livestock industry are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to biosecurity protocols, and cooperate with veterinary authorities in the implementation of control strategies.

The next few weeks are going to be key in the control and I just hope the effects are not going to be too devastating for a country already facing a serious economic crisis.

 

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