Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Beef 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 beef cattle, the clinical signs of FMD are:

Dullness *
Poor appetite *
High fever (40 – 41°C) *
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) 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 virus spreads between herds and farms.

Transmission easily occurs when animals are in close proximity eg. watering and feeding points and during congregation in stockyards. 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

Beef Cattle Biosecurity Resources

Download the Beef Cattle Biosecurity Resources below

Farm Biosecurity for Livestock Producers

National Biosecurity Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots

AUSVETPLAN Enterprise Manual for Beef Cattle Feedlots

Biosecurity Visitors Gate Sign

Risk Management Planning for Emergency Animal Diseases

Download FMD Beef 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).