Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a disease of cattle and swine, characterized by fever and blister-like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk.

Infections in humans are extremely rare. The disease has not been reported in the United States since 1929.

The disease is caused by a virus. The virus survives in lymph nodes and bone marrow at neutral pH. The virus can persist in contaminated fodder and the environment for up to one month, depending on the temperature and pH conditions.

General Information: Guidelines for Movement of Military Personnel, Personal Property, Cargo, and Military Equipment from Foot-and-Mouth Disease Affected Countries.

FMD viruses can be spread by animals, people, or materials that bring the virus into physical contact with susceptible animals. An outbreak can occur when:

FMD viruses can be spread by animals, people, or materials that bring the virus into physical contact with susceptible animals. An outbreak can occur when:

• People wearing contaminated clothes or footwear or using contaminated equipment pass the virus to susceptible animals.

• Animals carrying the virus are introduced into susceptible herds.

• Contaminated facilities are used to hold susceptible animals.

• Contaminated vehicles are used to move susceptible animals.

• Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing infected meat or animal products is fed to susceptible animals.

• Susceptible animals are exposed to materials such as hay, feedstuffs, hides, or biologics and fluids contaminated with the virus.

For information about Foot-and-Mouth Disease, please visit the "Foot-and-Mouth Disease" page on the US Department of Agriculture web site. You can also check out the following links for more information: