Foot-and-Mouth Disease in dairy cattle

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious animal diseases and is caused by FMD virus. This is not the same Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in humans. Although FMD occurs in many parts of the world, Australia is recognised as free from FMD without vaccination.

Signs of FMD

FMD affects domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, some camelids and water buffalo. Horses and Australian feral camels (dromedaries) are not susceptible. The virus is not a threat to human health.

In dairy cattle, the clinical signs of FMD may be:

Dullness *
Poor appetite *
High fever (40 – 41°C) *
Drop in milk yield *
Excessive drooling and lip smacking
Nasal discharge
Lameness, depending on the stage of infection
Separation from the mob
Unwilling or unable to stand
Lethargy
Rapid loss of condition
Blisters or erosions inside the mouth (tongue, cheeks, gums, lips and/or palate), teats, udder or skin between the claws at the coronary band
Abortion
Sudden death in youngstock

* Early stage of disease

Photo credit: nadis.org.uk

How is FMD transmitted?

FMD virus can be shed in the fluid of ruptured blisters, exhaled air, saliva, milk, semen, faeces and urine. Animals are infected by inhalation, ingestion, and artificial or natural breeding. The incubation period is 14 days and infected animals can spread the virus before showing any clinical signs of disease.

In cattle, direct contact and inhalation of contaminated aerosols is the primary route of transmission. Movement of infected animals is one of the most important routes by which FMD spreads between herds and farms.

Transmission easily occurs when animals are in close proximity eg. watering and feeding points and during congregation in the dairy. Contaminated clothing, equipment and vehicles can also spread the disease. The FMD virus can remain infective in the environment for several weeks to months in soil, manure, dried animal secretions, straw, hair and leather.

Source: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/livestock/animal-welfare/pests-diseases-disorders/foot-mouth

Dairy Biosecurity Resources

Download the Dairy Biosecurity Resources below

Dairy Australia Visitor Log and Risk Assessment

Dairy Australia Biosecurity Plan Template

Biosecurity Visitors Gate Sign

Dairy Biosecurity Healthy Farms

ProDairy Biosecurity Planning

Risk Management Planning for Emergency Animal Diseases

Download FMD Dairy Cattle Factsheet

If your livestock are showing signs of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (free call within Australia).