What are the symptoms of foot and mouth disease?

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It is not typically a disease of humans, but humans can contract it from infected animals.

Here are some of the symptoms of FMD in animals:

In cattle:

* Fever: High temperature (over 102°F or 39°C)

* Blisters: Around the mouth, on the nostrils, teats, and hooves. These blisters can rupture and become ulcers.

* Drooling: Excessive salivation due to painful sores in the mouth.

* Lameness: Caused by sores on the hooves.

* Loss of appetite: The animals are reluctant to eat due to mouth sores.

* Weight loss: Due to reduced appetite and pain.

* Milk production decrease: In lactating cows.

In pigs:

* Fever: High temperature (over 102°F or 39°C)

* Blisters: On the snout, tongue, and feet.

* Snorting and sneezing: Due to sores in the nose.

* Coughing: Due to sores in the throat.

* Lameness: Caused by sores on the hooves.

* Loss of appetite: The animals are reluctant to eat due to mouth sores.

* Weight loss: Due to reduced appetite and pain.

In sheep and goats:

* Fever: High temperature (over 102°F or 39°C)

* Blisters: Around the mouth, on the nostrils, teats, and hooves.

* Lameness: Caused by sores on the hooves.

* Loss of appetite: The animals are reluctant to eat due to mouth sores.

* Weight loss: Due to reduced appetite and pain.

In humans:

* Humans can get a mild infection from contact with infected animals or their products.

* Symptoms are usually mild and include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and blisters.

* Humans are not considered a significant source of the virus.

Important note: If you suspect an animal has FMD, it is crucial to contact your local veterinarian or animal health authorities immediately. Early detection and reporting are essential to control the spread of this disease.