Signs & Symptoms of Hoof & Mouth Disease

Hoof-and-mouth disease is one of the most deadly diseases affecting farm animals and other cloven-hoofed mammals such as antelope, deer, buffalo and giraffes. Although Europe, North America, Central America, parts of South America and Australia and New Zealand are free of the disease, it still affects large parts of the world, including India, the Middle East and sub-Sarahan Africa. There is no cure.

  1. General Signs of Hoof-and-Mouth Disease

    • According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the most familiar signs of hoof-and-mouth disease are blisters in the mouth and on the feet. The blisters are also found in the nose, on the muzzle or snout, on the udder of female animals and between the toes.
      The blisters, or vesicles, develop into wounds called erosions. The animal then exhibits excessive drooling because of the mouth erosions and lameness because of those on the feet.
      However, APHIS notes that other diseases can cause similar symptoms. To be certain, lab tests must be done to identify the cause.

    Signs in Cattle

    • Cattle with hoof-and-mouth may seem dull. They may have a fever and extremely runny noses, or they may drool a lot and smack their lips. Cows may show decreased milk production and may spontaneously abort if they are pregnant.

    Signs in Swine, Sheep, and Goats

    • Pigs may also develop fevers and be reluctant to move and eat. Pregnant sows may abort, and piglets may die.
      Sheep and goats exhibit fever and dullness before the blisters erupt, or the first sign may be lameness.