Foot-and-mouth disease Facts for Kids

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a very serious and fast-spreading illness in animals. It is caused by a virus. This disease can infect farm animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and even deer.

FMD is not usually caught by humans. However, people can accidentally spread the virus. This happens if they carry the virus on their clothes or bodies. Because it spreads so easily, FMD outbreaks can happen all over the world. The first time FMD was written about was in 1546 by Hieronymi Fracastorii. He described it as a strange disease that only affected cattle in northern Italy in 1514.

Where FMD is Found
Signs of FMD in Animals
- Signs in Cattle
- Signs in Pigs
What Causes FMD
Images for kids
See also

Where FMD is Found

Foot-and-mouth disease is common in many parts of the world. However, some areas are considered free of FMD. These include North America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, and many countries in Europe. Different types of the FMD virus are found in Africa, South America, Asia, and some parts of Europe.

Signs of FMD in Animals

The most common signs of Foot-and-mouth disease are animals drooling a lot. They might also not want to eat and have trouble walking. Animals with FMD can get a sudden fever. They may also have sores inside their mouths or on their feet.

Signs in Cattle

Drooling and smacking their lips
Shivering
Sore and tender feet
Less milk produced
Sores and blisters on their feet
High body temperature

Signs in Pigs

Suddenly unable to walk properly
Prefers to lie down
Sores on the top edge of the hoof, where the skin meets the hoof, and on the heels

What Causes FMD

FMD is caused by a virus. Animals usually start showing signs of illness within one to eight days after being infected. This time is called the incubation period. Often, signs appear within three days. If an animal gets better from one type of FMD, it does not mean they are safe from other types of the virus.