For the late rainy season approaching winter, a common recurring issue is the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), also known as “Hoof and Mouth Disease,” which is considered a localized disease. This disease outbreak can significantly affect animal health, production, and the income of livestock farmers. Therefore, let’s understand the disease and prepare for it.
Cause of the DiseaseFoot and Mouth Disease is caused by various strains of the virus. Currently, there are seven types, but in Thailand, three types are prevalent: Type A, O, and Asia 1. It affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo, pigs, sheep, goats, and deer, excluding horses.
Transmission and SymptomsFoot and Mouth Disease can spread through various channels, including direct contact between infected and healthy animals, contaminated food, airborne transmission, but mostly through the respiratory system. Once animals are infected with the virus, symptoms typically appear within 2-8 days, including fever, lameness, loss of appetite, and the formation of clear vesicles around the mouth, tongue, and gums. When these vesicles rupture, the affected areas become painful ulcers, causing difficulty in eating. If the virus enters the bloodstream, it can cause swelling and the formation of blisters filled with yellow fluid on the feet, which eventually rupture, resulting in severe lameness and economic losses for livestock farmers.
Prevention and TreatmentSince Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a viral infection, there is currently no specific treatment available. Therefore, the main approach to managing the disease is symptomatically and preventing secondary infections. Basic preventive measures include:
- Boost immunity by administering the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine for the first time at the age of 4-6 months, followed by a booster shot 3-4 weeks after the initial injection. Subsequently, administer the vaccine every 4 months.
- Control biological safety systems (Biosecurity) using Farclean-1510 S, a disinfectant product, to clean vehicles, buildings, and equipment regularly to prevent the entry of diseases into the farm.
- Provide nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate inflammation and reduce fever in cases of foot-and-mouth disease, as there is currently no direct treatment available for the disease.
- Treat external wounds caused by foot-and-mouth disease using ZEBIO SPRAY, a product designed to kill bacteria, promote quick drying of the wound, stimulate rapid healing, and reduce the risk of secondary infections.
- Provide vitamins and supplements to fully nourish and improve the health of the animals, promoting better body recovery.
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