Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is highly contagious viral disease characterized by fever, lameness, and vesicular lesions on the tongue, feet and teats. It is probably the most important livestock disease in the world in terms of economic significance. Dr Amarjit Singh, HoD, Animal Disease Centre of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University revealed that apart from the impact on animal health, the disease has been described as the major constraint to international trade in animals and animal products. Although FMD does not result in high mortality in adult animals, the disease has debilitating effects, including weight loss, decrease in milk production, and loss of draught power, resulting in a loss in productivity for a considerable time. He said that in this season livestock farmers should take some steps in case of any outbreak of FMD.Isolate the affected animal. Cattle fairs etc. and movement of animals should be stopped. Movement of people to the farm should be restricted. The healthy disease free animals in the periphery of the village should be vaccinated. Healthy animals should be attended first and then affected ones. On attending sick animals, doctor should wash his hands & cloths with 4% sodium carbonate solution. Utensils collecting milk should also be cleaned with 4% sodium carbonate. Proper disposal of carcasses should be carried out. Infected saliva, food, water and animal attendants should be kept away from healthy animals. Calves should not be allowed to suckle affected mothers. New animals should not be purchased until 6 months following outbreak. In organized farms, footbath containing copper sulphate, phenyl or potassium permanganate is laid at the entrance and exit. Lime powder should be sprinkled around the animal houses.
Dr Amarjit Singh also suggested remedies for the animals.There is no specific treatment for disease. The symptomatic treatment include antibiotics to check secondary bacterial infection, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. In addition, antiseptic mouth and teat wash can be given with potassium permagnate solution (1:1000), 2-5% povidine iodine solution. Boroglycerine paste can be applied on mouth ulcers. The feet should be dipped in phenyl or 2% copper sulphate. Provide easily chewable diet to the animals like dalia and lush green fodder. The number of susceptible animals in the population can be decreased by implementing mass vaccination programs. Vaccinate the animals at 4 month of age and then repeat vaccine after every six months. Consult Veterinary doctor or Vet Varsity for any type of help.
