FMD (foot and mouth disease) has been confirmed in Germany, Slovakia and Austria.
There are currently no cases of FMD in the UK.
Reporting suspected FMD
FMD is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately. Failure to do so is an offence.
- England – call the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
- Wales – contact 0300 303 8268.
- Scotland – contact your local Field Services Office.
FMD can spread very quickly, therefore it is vital that suspected cases are reported immediately, and that keepers practice good biosecurity. This includes following Defra guidance on importing goods and taking precautions with visitors and when travelling to countries affected by FMD.
Signs and symptoms
FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. It is spread through all excretions and secretions of infected animals, such as particles in the breath, saliva, milk, semen, urine, faeces and fluid from blisters.
The virus can also be spread through:
- The breath of infected animals, which can travel large distances
- Contaminated pens and buildings
- Contaminated vehicles, clothing and footwear
- Contaminated feed, water and equipment
- Raw or improperly cooked contaminated animal products fed to susceptible animals
The virus can be present in secretions up to four days before clinical signs of the disease are detected. Blistering is the typical clinical sign and can appear on the nose, tongue, lips, in the mouth, between toes, above the hooves, teats and pressure points. Other signs include:
- Fever
- Lameness
- Drooling
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of weight
- Drop in milk production
- High youngstock mortality
Animals that recover may act as carriers of the disease.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of FMD, visit: GOV.UK | Foot and mouth disease: how to spot and report it
Further information is also available from: AHDB | Foot and mouth disease
