|
D
A I R Y I n i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E
T T E R |
Foot-and-Mouth Disease |
|
Foot-and
mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious and affects cattle, swine,
sheep, and other cloven-hoofed animals. It is 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. Most affected
animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated, causing
severe losses in meat and milk production. The United States has
been free of FMD since 1929. An FMD outbreak in the United States
could potentially cost the U.S. livestock industry billions of dollars
in losses in the first year. FMD is not considered a public health
problem. The disease
is caused by a virus that can persist in contaminated fodder and
the environment for up to one month. FMD viruses can be spread by
animals, people, or materials. It is important that travelers NOT bring swine or ruminant products, unpasteurized dairy products, or agricultural products from countries in the European Union to the U.S. |
|
© Bush 01 |
|
For more information: Minnesota
Board of Animal Health |
|
D A I R Y I n
i t i a t i v e s N E W S L E T T E R |
