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A Brief Note On Foot And Mouth Disease

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The Search for Better Health Research Task Foot and Mouth Disease(FMD) Foot and mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild cloven-hoofed animals (ungulates), these include cattle, sheep and pigs. The disease is characterised by the formation of vesicles and erosions in the mouth and nostrils, on the teats, and on the skin between and above the hoofs. FMD may cause serious production losses and is a major constraint to international trade in livestock and their products. It does not occur in Australia. It would have severe consequences were it to be introduced into Australia. There have been a number of outbreaks in FMD-free countries that have had large socio-economic impacts. The 2001 outbreak in the United Kingdom caused losses of more than 8 billion pounds (approximately $AUD 16 billion). Symptoms In cattle Cattle with foot and mouth disease may develop sores and blisters: • on the feet • in the mouth • on the tongue Other clinical signs include: • fever • shivering • lameness • slobbering and smacking lips • cows produce less milk In sheep Signs of foot and mouth disease among sheep include: • severe lameness, which may develop suddenly and spread quickly among the flock • tendency to lie down more than usual • unwillingness to move when made to stand • high numbers of stillbirths, abortions and lambs dying soon after birth • tiredness in young lambs • ewes unwilling to allow lambs to suckle In pigs Signs of foot and mouth

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