Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

Category: General Science — Animal Health and Agriculture

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.

Key facts

  • Causative agent: Foot-and-mouth disease virus, belonging to the genus Aphthovirus in the family Picornaviridae.

  • Affected animals: Cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs and several wild cloven-hoofed species.

  • Symptoms: Fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, excessive salivation, lameness and reduced milk production.

  • Transmission occurs through infected animals, secretions, contaminated equipment, feed and other pathways.

  • The disease causes substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, trade restrictions and control costs.

India's control measures

  • India implements the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme under its livestock disease-control framework.

  • Vaccination, surveillance, movement controls, biosecurity and veterinary reporting are important measures.

UPSC key pointers

  • FMD is a viral disease of animals.

  • It is distinct from hand, foot and mouth disease in humans.

  • FMD affects livestock productivity and international trade.

  • Vaccination and biosecurity are central to disease control.