FOOD AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

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Causative Agent(s)

This is caused by Foot and Mouth disease virus, a small RNA virus of the genus Aphthovirus of the family Picornaviridae. There are 7 serotypes: O, A, and C strains, Southern African Territories (SAT): 1, 2 and 3. The seventh (7th) strain is the Asia 1.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

The severity of FMD varies widely according to the strains of the virus involved and the immune status of the animal involved. In severe disease, the typical features are: High fever, anorexia, sudden fall in milk production, profuse salivation, smacking of the lips, which is characteristic, and stamping of feet. Vesicles are seen on the buccal mucosa, hard palate, lips gums, muzzle, and tongue and on the dental pad. These vesicles rupture leaving painful surfaces, and in consequence, the animal refuses to eat but can still drink. Vesicles are also seen on the coronary band and inter-digital cleft. When these vesicles rupture, animal is in pain and result in lameness. In severe cases hoof may detach. Vesicles may also be seen on the teats in lactating cows, prepuce, and vulva. Secondary bacterial mastitis occurs due to infected teat vesicles and resistance to milking. Pregnant animals may abort. In young animals, there may be skeletal and cardiac muscle degeneration leading to death.

FMD is endemic in many countries of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and in parts of South America. The virus of FMD is found in all fluids of the body like milk, urine, faeces, saliva, blood, and semen. The virus is most stable between 7.4 and 7.6 and is rapidly destroyed by acid or alkaline. It survives well below 4oC and may be stored for many years at temperature below freezing.

Diagnostic Consideration

Sample to collect include epithelium and fluid of vesicular lesion. Diagnostic methods: Real time RT-PCR assay or Antigen ELISA.

Management and Treatment (give recommendations on dosage and usage of antimicrobial drugs)

  • Supportive care and symptomatic treatment are allowed in countries where FMD is
  • Localized treatment by rinsing the ulcerative vesicles on the mouth, tongue, legs, hoof, and teat with one of the following solutions: normal saline, citric acid 1% potassium permanganate 1% or alum 2% were helpful
  • Vitamins C
  • Analgin 20mg/kg IM X 3/7 for pain and fever relieve

Systemic antibiotic therapy may be used to control secondary bacterial infection of ulcers (ulcers on the teat can lead to mastitis)

  • Penicillin G sodium: 10,000-20,000 IU (6-12 mg)/kg IV or IM, q6-8h x5/7
  • Penicillin G procaine: 17,000-25,000 IU (10-15mg)/kg IM or SC, q12-24h x5/7
  • Oxytetracyline LA 20mg/kg IM (repeat after 2-4 days)
  • Amoxycillin 4-7 mg/kg IM, q12-24h x5/7
  • Amoxycillin/Clavulanate 7 mg/kg SC or IM daily, 3-5/7
Prevention is primary by vaccination

Two injections 3-4 weeks apart, at 2 weeks of age.

Boosters’ vaccination should be given every 6 months, depending on the epizootiological situation and local legislation in place