Hoof and Mouth Disease

Hoof and mouth disease, also known as foot and mouth disease, is a highly contagious virus. Humans are rarely infected. Cattle, goats, swine, sheep, and deer are highly susceptible to the hoof and mouth virus.

Identification

Hoof and mouth disease symptoms include blisters or lesions in the mouth and on the hooves. Infected animals stop eating and develop a fever of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Effects

Close to 100 percent of infected animals will die from the virus. Animals that recover remain carriers of the hoof and mouth virus for approximately six months.

Features

The virus can attach itself to hair, clothing, shoes, food containers, car tires or any physical object.

Significance

The virus can live for 12 weeks on a surface. The virus can travel up to 150 miles in the wind.

Prevention/Solution

Hoof and mouth virus is one of the diseases that United States Customs is trying to prevent by its rules preventing foodstuffs from entering the country.

Resources

• Safety of United States Food Supply - Colorado State University
• Precautions Against Hoof and Mouth Disease University of Illinois