Foot and Mouth Disease in Cattle and its Preventive Measures

Of the various viral diseases in cattle, Foot and Mouth disease poise a devastating disease in nature as it has a direct bearing on the animal health and the farmer economy. In short Foot and Mouth disease is also termed as FMD. It is an acute infectious highly contagious viral disease of cattle and all other cloven hoofed animals. Although it does not result in high mortality there is higher morbidity. The disease is zoonotic in nature as human beings are also susceptible through contact with infected diseased animal, contaminated milk and milk products.

Common Signs and Symptoms of FMD in Cattle

1. Vesicular eruption in the epithelium of the buccal cavity, tongue, muzzle, feet, teat and udder
2. High body temperature
3. Reduce feed intake resulting in body weight loss
4. Lameness of fore and hind feets
5. Decrease in milk production
6. Excessive salivation from the mouth

Steps for Prevention and Control of FMD

1. Timely vaccination with FMD vaccine
   a) 1^st vaccination before onset of monsoon season
   b) 2^nd vaccination just after monsoon season
   Twice vaccination yearly i.e after every 6 month

2. Deworming medication should be followed for the entire herd in the farm before vaccination for effective vaccination result
3. Feed well balance concentrate diet and sufficient green fodder daily
4. Immediate isolation of any diseased animals from the rest of the healthy herd
5. Discharge or any secretion from infected diseased animal should be disposal off properly
6. Animal infected with any diseases condition and under treatment and medication, the milk should be discarded
7. The cattle shed should be always kept clean, dry and airy
8. Farm workers shouldwash theirhands thoroughly after cleaning the shed, handling, feeding, and milking with soap and water

The farmer should immediately consult a veterinarian or visit the nearest Veterinary Health Centre in case any animal in the dairy farm showing any of the above mention signs and symptoms for early detection and proper treatment

Veterinary Hospital Kohima