With the World Health Organization for Animal Health confirming outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany on Jan. 10 and Hungary on March 6, 2025, it’s important for producers to be aware of the risks of this disease, especially if — or when— it were to appear in the U.S.
“Foot and mouth disease, while harmless to us as human beings, is a highly contagious viral disease on animals with cloven-hooves, including cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” says Meranda Small, Idaho State BQA Coordinator. “It also has the ability to impact and equally affect wildlife species such as deer, elk and bison, giving them the opportunity to move the disease across state lines and from one location to another.”
Barry Whitworth, DVM, Oklahoma State University Extension Veterinarian, says there are seven known serotypes of the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).
“The large number of serotypes makes vaccine development difficult since immunity to one serotype does not protect against others,” he explains. “The disease is not a public health threat, however, it can spread easily and cause severe economic hardship.”
How is FMDV transmitted?
FMDV can be found in all fluids excreted from infected animals, including saliva, urine, feces, fluid from vesicles, semen, amniotic fluid, and aborted fetuses. Expired air from infected animals can transmit the virus in the right environment. The virus can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact with infected animals and the virus can also be spread by contaminated objects and feed, Whitworth says.
What are the clinical signs of FMD?
Clinical signs of the disease can vary between species and the most common clinical sign are blisters or vesicles on the tongue, gums, teats, and the interdigital space of the hooves. In addition, fever, loss of appetite, excessive drooling or salivation, lameness, and decreased milk production in dairy animals are common symptoms, Whitworth shares.
In severe cases, particularly in young animals, FMD can cause heart inflammation, leading to sudden death. Most adult animals recover in two to three weeks. Although, some animals never return to full production or have permanent issues such as hoof malformation, chronic lameness, chronic mastitis, and weight loss, adds Whitworth.
“FMD is a difficult disease to control,” Whitworth says. “Most animals in the U.S. are very susceptible to FMD. If an outbreak were to occur in the U.S., the disease could spread rapidly, unless detected early and eliminated.”
The U.S. has not seen a case of FMD since 1929. Through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection to screen cargo at the border to help with prevention. The U.S. restricts importation of animals and animal products from areas affected by FMD. APHIS deploys veterinarians worldwide to assist other countries in their efforts to control and eradicate the disease, Whitworth explains.
“If a case of FMD occurs in the U.S., livestock producers will probably be the first to see it,” Whitworth says. “For this reason, livestock producers should be familiar with the clinical signs of the disease. Any suspicious signs should be reported to a veterinarian.”
Resources for Livestock Producers
Due to the severe economic impact FMD would have on the U.S. food supply, resources have been put together to help producers.
“FMD is a constant threat to the U.S. livestock industry,” Whitworth says. “An outbreak would have significant economic consequences. U.S. cattle producers should remain vigilant at keeping this disease out of the U.S.”
Through the securebeef.org website, producers can find resources to create a five-step contingency document. It addresses cattle inventory and potential movement, financial planning, enhanced biosecurity, communication and cattle health management.
Sergio Arispe serves as Oregon State University Extension livestock and rangeland field faculty and associate professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences. He helped develop resources for livestock producers.
“The purpose of traceability is for transparency, not only within the livestock industry, but with our trade partners as well,” Arispe says. “Movement permits demonstrate that steps have been taken to safely move animals or products.”
Read more: Secure Food Supply Resources Available to Livestock Producers
