How to Protect Animals from Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

After nearly 40 years, the threat of foot-and-mouth disease has reappeared in Europe. Due to the dynamic epidemiological situation, the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Veterinarian, on the instructions of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Chief Veterinarian, provides information on preventing and protecting against this disease.

What is Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is an infectious and highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, such as cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. The virus is resistant and spreads easily, regardless of the weather.

Effects of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The occurrence of FMD in a country causes enormous economic losses in the meat and livestock industries, often leading to the liquidation of entire herds. Poland is recognized as a country free from foot-and-mouth disease; the last case was recorded in 1971.

Symptoms of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The disease manifests as vesicles on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, lips, tongue, nasal areas, as well as on the udder, teats, and hooves. Animals are reluctant to move, have a fever, apathy, lameness, lose appetite, and cattle experience profuse salivation. Females may abort, and young animals may die without apparent symptoms.

Transmission of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease spreads mainly through contact between animals, but also through feed, straw, manure, equipment, vehicles, and people who have been in contact with infected animals. It can also be transmitted through milk, meat, and other products from sick animals that have not been properly processed.

Preventing Foot-and-Mouth Disease

• Avoid purchasing animals from unknown sources.
• Limit contact between animals from different herds.
• Avoid visiting other farms without following biosecurity principles.
• Do not share tools and equipment with other farms.

Biosecurity Principles

• Isolate newly purchased animals for 14 days.
• Use protective clothing and footwear when handling animals.
• Use disinfection mats at the entrances to livestock buildings.
• Wash and disinfect hands.

What to Do If Foot-and-Mouth Disease is Suspected?

Any suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease should be immediately reported to the veterinary services. Notification is mandatory and crucial for a quick diagnosis.