Hoof & Mouth Disease in Cattle

The U.K. Governments Department of Environment, Food &Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reports hoof and mouth disease, also known as foot and mouth disease in some parts of the world is an infectious disease affecting cloven hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs.

  1. Symptoms

    • The symptoms of hoof and mouth in cattle begin with decreased milk production, a fever of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The University of Illinois reports blisters on the hoof's and in the mouths of cattle resulting in increased saliva and mucus around the mouth and nose of cattle.

    Infection

    • Hoof and mouth is transmitted in a variety of ways, including through the air and in infected meat and milk; it can also be carried from an infected area into a new area on clothing and shoes. The University of Illinois reports cattle are most susceptible to the airborne form of the virus.

    Spread

    • According to DEFRA hoof and mouth is commonly found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America with occasional outbreaks in other areas. Amongst farm animals such as cattle hoof and mouth disease is one of the fastest spreading diseases with symptoms appearing in as little as 24 hours.

    Types

    • The University of Illinois explains there are seven types of hoof and mouth disease with over 60 sub-types and a large number of sub-strains. All the discovered strains of hoof and mouth disease carry the same symptoms.

    Effects

    • DEFRA explains that hoof and mouth is rarely fatal amongst livestock except in the case of some young cattle who may die before any symptoms become visible. Some cattle that recover from hoof and mouth can be affected by heart disease with the economic value of cattle from an infected herd permanently decreased.

    Outbreaks

    • The University of Illinois reports the last recorded outbreak of hoof and mouth in the United States was recorded in 1929. According to DEFRA the United Kingdom was hit by eight discovered cases of hoof and mouth among cattle in 2007.