Foot and Mouth Disease
Introduction
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that affects all cloven-hoofed animals and is widespread throughout the world. FMD cannot be differentiated clinically from other vesicular diseases such as Swine Vesicular Disease (SVD). The virus is a member of the genus Apthovirus, family of the Picornaviridae. There are seven serotypes of FMD virus, namely O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3 and Asia 1. Infection with any one serotype does not confer immunity against one of the other serotypes. Of the domesticated species; cattle, pigs, sheep and goats are susceptible to FMD.
Clinical signs of FMD are the appearance of vesicles (small blisters) on the feet, in and around the oral cavity and on the mammary glands of females. Vesicles can also occur inside the nostrils and at pressure points on the limbs, especially in pigs. Transmission generally occurs through contact between infected and susceptible animals. The virus can be excreted into the air during the acute phase of infection.
Human health risk
FMD is not a zoonotic disease. There are no known risks to human health.
Economic impact
The presence of FMD is a very important economic threat to the livelihood of the livestock industry due to the culling of herds and the restriction on meat exports from affected areas.
Diagnostic solution
Prionics offers two highly effective ELISA tests for the diagnosis of FMD in cattle, swine, sheep and goats. The PrioCHECK® FMDV NS was developed by Prionics affiliate Prionics Lelystad in collaboration with the distinguished Danish Veterinary Institute for Virus Research; and the PrioCHECK® FMDV Type O with the renowned Animal Science Group in Lelystad. The PrioCHECK® FMDV tests are excellent and unique tools for the detection of all serotypes of this highly contagious virus.
Prionics keeps large stocks of its FMD diagnostic tests as a Diagnostic Bank. Major European Countries have joined this FMD-Insurance Concept. The advantage: Prionics guarantees the delivery of a predefined number of diagnostic tests within a predefined time schedule; first test delivery can be made within 36 hrs after notification. > Download leaflet
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