Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Cattle: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Methods

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious viral infections affecting livestock worldwide. It primarily attacks cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs — causing severe economic losses for farmers and impacting global meat and dairy trade.

The virus spreads rapidly through contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, or farm equipment. Once the disease reaches a herd, it can lead to fever, mouth ulcers, and painful blisters on the hooves — making it difficult for infected cattle to eat, walk, or produce milk.

Understanding how foot and mouth disease develops, spreads, and can be prevented is essential for every livestock owner, veterinarian, and farm manager. In this guide, we’ll cover the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods to help you protect your animals and your livelihood.

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What Is Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. It’s considered one of the most serious diseases in livestock production because of its rapid spread and the severe impact it causes on milk, meat, and trade.

The virus targets the mouth and feet, creating painful blisters that make it hard for animals to eat or move. In large herds, a single infected animal can quickly transmit the virus to dozens of others — leading to outbreaks that devastate entire farms.

Definition of the Disease and Its Spread Among Cattle

Foot and mouth disease is caused by the Aphthovirus, a member of the Picornaviridae family. The virus can survive for long periods in contaminated environments, including soil, manure, and feed.
 Once it enters a farm, it multiplies quickly, affecting the mouth, tongue, and hooves of infected cattle.

How Does Foot-and-Mouth Disease Spread Between Animals?

FMD spreads primarily through:

•        Direct contact with infected saliva, milk, or respiratory secretions.
•        Airborne transmission, especially in humid or windy conditions.
•        Contaminated objects such as feeding tools, vehicles, or clothing.
•        Human movement between farms without proper disinfection.

Even recovered animals can carry and shed the virus for weeks, keeping the infection cycle alive.

Animals Most Susceptible to Infection

Cattle are the most commonly affected species, but sheep, goats, and pigs are also at risk. Younger animals — especially calves — tend to experience more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates.

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Causes of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Understanding the causes of foot and mouth disease (FMD) helps farmers and veterinarians take proactive steps to control and prevent outbreaks. This viral infection spreads incredibly fast and can survive in the environment under certain conditions, making strict biosecurity essential on every cattle farm.

 

The Virus Responsible for Foot-and-Mouth Disease

FMD is caused by the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) — a highly contagious member of the Aphthovirus genus. There are seven major serotypes of this virus, each with multiple subtypes. Unfortunately, immunity from one serotype doesn’t protect cattle from another, which makes vaccination more challenging.

The virus is resilient — it can survive in milk, manure, and even on clothing or farm tools for several days. It thrives especially in cool, moist environments.

 

Modes of Infection and Virus Transmission on Farms

The FMD virus spreads in several ways:

•        Direct contact: When infected animals share feeding or watering areas.
•        Indirect transmission: Through contaminated feed, bedding, vehicles, or workers moving between farms.
•        Airborne spread: In humid or windy weather, the virus can travel for kilometers and infect nearby herds.

This rapid transmission makes early detection and isolation crucial.

 

Environmental Factors That Contribute to Disease Spread

Certain environmental conditions accelerate the spread of foot and mouth disease:

•        High humidity and low temperature help the virus survive longer.
•        Poor hygiene and overcrowding create ideal breeding grounds for infection.
•        Frequent animal movement between farms without disinfection increases risk.

Regular cleaning, ventilation, and biosecurity checks can dramatically reduce exposure and control outbreaks before they start.

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 Symptoms of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Cattle

Recognizing the signs of foot and mouth disease (FMD) early is crucial for limiting transmission and ensuring prompt treatment. The virus affects the mouth, tongue, and hooves — leading to visible lesions and significant discomfort. Infected cattle often show signs of fever, reduced appetite, and a drop in milk production within just a few days of infection.

 

Visible Symptoms in the Mouth and Limbs

One of the first noticeable signs of FMD is blister-like sores in the mouth, on the gums, lips, and tongue. These blisters quickly rupture, leaving painful ulcers that make eating or drinking diOfficult.

On the limbs, similar blisters appear around the hooves and between the toes, often causing lameness or difficulty walking. The animals may prefer lying down and avoid standing for long periods.

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Behavioral Changes and Decreased Milk Production

Cattle infected with foot and mouth disease become visibly weak, anxious, and may isolate themselves from the herd. The pain from mouth ulcers leads to reduced food intake, resulting in rapid weight loss and dehydration.

One of the earliest warning signs on dairy farms is a sudden drop in milk yield, as both appetite and comfort levels are affected. Even after recovery, milk production may remain lower for several weeks.

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Symptoms Appearing in Calves and Young Cattle

Young calves infected with FMD tend to develop more severe symptoms, including fever, weakness, and heart complications that can lead to sudden death. Unlike adult cattle, they may show fewer blisters but suffer more internal effects due to immature immune systems.

Farmers should separate young calves immediately if an outbreak occurs and monitor them closely for early warning signs like fatigue, drooling, or difficulty nursing.

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How Foot-and-Mouth Disease Is Diagnosed

Because foot and mouth disease (FMD) spreads quickly and resembles other mouth or hoof infections, accurate and early diagnosis is critical. Veterinarians rely on a combination of clinical observations and specialized laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the FMD virus and determine which strain is responsible for the outbreak.

 

Approved Laboratory Tests

Laboratory testing is the most reliable way to confirm foot and mouth disease in cattle. The most common diagnostic methods include:

•        RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): Detects the virus’s RNA quickly and accurately.
•        ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): Identifies FMD antibodies to determine if the animal has been exposed.
•        Virus Isolation: Involves growing the virus from collected samples to study its strain and behavior.

Samples are usually taken from vesicular fluid, saliva, or tissue from affected areas like the mouth or hooves. Timely submission to an accredited veterinary laboratory is essential for fast results and response planning.

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Clinical Signs Used by Veterinarians for Diagnosis

Before laboratory confirmation, veterinarians look for a specific pattern of symptoms associated with FMD, including:

•        Blisters or erosions in the mouth, tongue, and gums.
•        Lameness or hoof lesions between the claws.
•        Excessive salivation and drooling.
•        Sudden decline in milk production.
•        Fever, weakness, and loss of appetite.

These clinical signs, combined with herd history and recent animal movements, help veterinarians make an early field diagnosis and take immediate control actions such as isolation and disinfection.

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Treatment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Cattle

While there is no specific cure for foot and mouth disease (FMD), supportive care and strict management can help cattle recover faster and prevent complications. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, controlling secondary infections, and maintaining hydration and nutrition. With early intervention and consistent care, most cattle survive and regain productivity.

 

Medications and Supportive Treatments

Because FMD is viral, antibiotics do not target the virus directly — but they are often used to prevent bacterial infections that develop from open mouth and hoof wounds. Veterinarians typically recommend:

•        Anti-inflammatory drugs to lower fever and pain.
•        Topical antiseptics or wound sprays to clean blisters and prevent infection.
•        Antibiotics (when prescribed) to treat secondary bacterial conditions.
•        Fluid therapy to rehydrate animals suffering from fever or loss of appetite.

Regular cleaning of the mouth with mild antiseptic solutions and disinfecting hooves also speeds up recovery.

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The Role of Nutrition and Health Care During Illness

Proper nutrition plays a key role in helping cattle recover from foot and mouth disease. During illness, animals often refuse to eat because of mouth ulcers — so providing soft, easy-to-swallow feed is essential.

Farmers should ensure:

•        Continuous access to clean water.
•        Nutrient-rich feed containing vitamins and minerals.
•        Electrolyte solutions to restore balance after fever.
•        Isolation areas with clean bedding and shade.

Supplementing with immune-boosting products also improves recovery and reduces the chance of relapse once the animal starts eating again.

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Prevention Methods for Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Preventing foot and mouth disease (FMD) is far more effective and affordable than managing an outbreak. Because the virus spreads rapidly and survives in the environment for long periods, prevention requires a combination of vaccination, strict biosecurity, and good farm management practices.

 

Vaccination and Regular Immunization Programs

Vaccination is the most powerful tool against FMD. Depending on your region, local veterinary authorities may recommend biannual or annual vaccination programs for cattle, goats, and sheep.

Key points to remember:

•        Always use approved vaccines that target the FMD serotypes common in your area.
•        Keep detailed vaccination records for every animal.
•        Never skip booster doses, as immunity decreases over time.
•        Avoid purchasing unvaccinated animals or introducing new ones without health checks.

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Biosecurity Measures Within the Farm

Good biosecurity is the frontline defense against foot and mouth disease. The goal is to prevent the virus from entering or leaving your farm.

Essential measures include:

•        Disinfecting vehicles, boots, and tools before entering barns.
•        Restricting visitor access to animal areas.
•        Quarantining new or returning animals for at least 14 days.
•        Regularly cleaning and sanitizing feeding and watering stations.

Even small lapses in farm hygiene can lead to major outbreaks, so daily cleaning routines are critical.

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How to Handle Infected Cases to Prevent Transmission

If an outbreak occurs, quick and responsible action can stop it from spreading:

1. Isolate infected cattle immediately.
   
   
2. Notify veterinary authorities to assist with containment.
3. Disinfect all areas the infected animal has been in contact with.
4. Destroy contaminated feed and restrict animal movement until cleared.
5. Burn or safely dispose of manure and waste materials.
   
   

Strict isolation, combined with cleaning and vaccination, helps stop the virus before it reaches the rest of the herd.

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 The Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease on Livestock

Outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) don’t just affect the health of cattle — they have far-reaching economic and trade consequences. The disease weakens animals, lowers productivity, and causes massive losses for farmers and the entire livestock industry.

 

Economic Losses in the Cattle Sector

FMD can devastate farms within weeks. Infected cattle stop eating, milk production drops drastically, and weight loss becomes severe. Farmers face losses from:

•        Reduced milk yield during and after infection.
•        Decreased meat quality due to muscle damage and stress.
•        Veterinary and disinfection costs during containment.
•        Movement restrictions, making it difficult to sell or trade animals.

In severe outbreaks, governments may order culling of infected herds to prevent further spread, adding to financial strain for farmers and national economies.

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The Effect of the Disease on Meat and Dairy Trade and Exports

Because foot and mouth disease is classified as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), countries affected by outbreaks often face export bans on meat and dairy products.

This impacts not only farmers but also processing plants, transport companies, and trade partners — reducing international confidence in livestock safety.

Controlling FMD quickly helps restore export permissions and protects national food security. The faster farmers report symptoms and apply biosecurity measures, the quicker trade operations can recover.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Foot-and-Mouth Disease

 

Can Foot-and-Mouth Disease Be Transmitted from Cattle to Humans?

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) in cattle is different from hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans.
 While the names sound similar, they are caused by completely different viruses.

•        FMD affects livestock and is caused by the Aphthovirus.
  
  
•        Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in humans is caused by Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus.
  
  

FMD is not considered a public health threat and very rarely infects people. However, farm workers should still practice proper hygiene, wear gloves, and disinfect after contact with infected animals to prevent accidental transmission.

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How Long Does It Take for Cattle to Recover from Foot-and-Mouth Disease?

The recovery period for cattle infected with foot and mouth disease depends on the severity of infection and the care provided.

•        Mild cases may recover within 2 to 3 weeks.
•        Severe cases, especially those with deep hoof lesions or secondary infections, may take up to 2 months to fully recover.

Even after visible healing, milk production and weight gain may take additional time to return to normal. Proper nutrition, clean shelter, and hydration are essential for full recovery.

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What Is the Best Way to Protect the Herd from the Disease?

The best protection against FMD is a combination of vaccination, hygiene, and restricted movement. Farmers should:

1. Vaccinate all animals regularly according to veterinary guidelines.
2. Disinfect equipment, vehicles, and clothing used on the farm.
3. Isolate new or sick animals immediately.
4. Keep visitors and workers aware of biosecurity rules.

Following these steps can drastically reduce the risk of future outbreaks and keep livestock healthy and productive year-round.

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At Halalys, we’re committed to supporting veterinarians and farmers with trusted products, expert insights, and reliable solutions for livestock health. 🐾
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