Foot-and-mouth disease

What is it?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, sheep, goats and pigs. It causes painful lesions in the mouth and on the feet. This disease is closely monitored because it can have a major economic impact on livestock farming.

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Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Causes and risk factors

This disease is caused by a virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, known for its high capacity for mutation. There are several different serotypes of the virus, making immune protection difficult from one animal to another. The virus resists well in the environment, particularly in organic matter.

Farms with a high density of animals and frequent commercial exchanges are more exposed. The lack of hygiene measures and border controls favors the spread. Areas where vaccination is not regularly practiced are also at increased risk.

Transmission

The virus is transmitted very easily by direct contact between animals, through the air over short distances, or through contaminated objects such as equipment, vehicles or clothing. It can also be spread through contaminated food, water or animal products. The disease does not affect humans.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

Treatment

There is no treatment that eliminates the foot-and-mouth disease virus. If the disease is suspected, the veterinarian alerts the health authorities, who decide which measures to apply (isolation, movement restrictions and, in some cases, culling, depending on the country's regulations).

When treatment is permitted, it remains supportive. The veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for fever and pain. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the lesions become infected. Local care of the mouth and foot lesions is possible.

Soft, easy-to-swallow food, clean water and a dry, clean bedding help animals recover. Do not give any medication on your own initiative.

Prevention

Vaccination

Vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease exist. They are made from inactivated virus. As the virus has several serotypes, the vaccine must match the strains present in the region. A vaccine against one serotype does not protect against the others.

Protection is limited in time, so regular booster doses are necessary. The schedule (age at first vaccination, booster interval) depends on the species and on the country's official programme. It is set by the veterinarian and the health authorities.

Vaccination is mainly regulated for farm animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. For wild or zoo species, ask advice from the responsible veterinarian.

Possible complications

The wounds in the mouth and on the feet can become secondarily infected by bacteria. Animals eat less, lose weight and take a long time to recover their condition.

Lesions on the feet can leave lasting lameness. In dairy cows, mastitis (infection of the udder) and a lasting drop in milk production are possible. Pregnant females may abort.

Young animals are the most vulnerable. The virus can reach the heart and cause high mortality in them. In adults, mortality is generally low.

Some recovered animals remain carriers of the virus for a time, which makes disease control more difficult.

When to see a veterinarian

References

WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)

Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 01 November 2026