Recent FMD outbreaks in southern Africa—including confirmed cases in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—serve as a reminder that this highly contagious disease remains a global concern. While the United States has been FMD-free since 1929, veterinarians play a critical role in maintaining this status through vigilance and preparedness.
Understanding FMD
Foot-and-mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the disease is characterized by:
- Fever and vesicles (blisters) on the tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and between the hooves
- Hypersalivation and reluctance to eat or move
- Severe lameness
- Significant drops in milk production (up to 80% reduction in chronically affected animals)
While mortality in adult animals is typically low (1-5%), young animals face higher mortality rates (20% or more) due to myocarditis. The economic impact stems primarily from production losses, trade restrictions, and control costs rather than animal deaths.
Why This Matters for U.S. Practice
The U.S. livestock industry depends on FMD-free status for international trade. Any suspected case requires immediate investigation. Veterinarians—particularly those working with livestock—should be prepared to:
1. Recognize suspicious presentations
FMD cannot be differentiated clinically from other vesicular diseases (vesicular stomatitis, swine vesicular disease, vesicular exanthema). Any vesicular lesions in cloven-hoofed animals warrant immediate attention.
Key clinical signs to watch for:
- Drooling or smacking lips
- Lameness or reluctance to move
- Vesicles or erosions in the mouth or on feet
- Sudden drop in milk production
- Fever preceding vesicle formation
2. Know the reporting protocol
Suspected FMD is a reportable foreign animal disease. If you observe suspicious signs:
- Isolate affected animals immediately
- Contact your State Veterinarian or USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge
- Do not collect samples yourself—wait for foreign animal disease diagnosticians
The USDA maintains a 24/7 hotline: 1-866-536-7593
3. Understand transmission risks
FMDV spreads through:
- Direct contact with infected animals
- Aerosol transmission (infected animals exhale large amounts of virus)
- Contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, and footwear
- Contaminated animal products (if fed raw or improperly cooked)
- Recovered carrier animals
The virus can survive in the environment and on fomites, making biosecurity practices essential.
Biosecurity Recommendations
For livestock operations and veterinary practices:
- Visitor protocols: Limit farm access; require clean footwear and clothing
- Equipment sanitation: Clean and disinfect equipment between farms
- New animal introductions: Quarantine and monitor new additions
- International travel awareness: Staff who travel internationally should follow return-to-farm protocols
- Import vigilance: Be aware of illegal importation risks for animal products
Client Communication
Livestock producers may have questions about current international outbreaks. Key points to communicate:
- The U.S. has robust surveillance and import controls
- FMD is not a human health concern
- Early detection is the best protection—report any unusual signs immediately
- Biosecurity practices protect individual operations and the national herd
Resources
- USDA APHIS: Foreign Animal Disease information and reporting
- WOAH: Global disease situation updates and technical standards
- CFSPH: Foot-and-mouth disease fact sheets and training materials (Iowa State)
- FAD PReP: Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness & Response Plan resources
The Bottom Line
FMD preparedness isn’t about alarm—it’s about readiness. U.S. veterinarians are the first line of defense in protecting our livestock industries. Maintaining awareness of global disease trends, recognizing suspicious clinical signs, and knowing reporting procedures ensures we can respond effectively if FMD ever reaches our borders.
This post is for educational purposes and reflects information available as of February 2026. For the most current disease status and guidance, consult USDA APHIS and your State Veterinarian.