FMD

FMD most commonly refers to foot-and-mouth disease, a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed mammals. The causative agent is foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus in the family Picornaviridae. FMDV exists as multiple serotypes, including O, A, Asia 1, and SAT 1–3, which complicate vaccination and immunity.

The primary hosts are cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats, with occasional infection of wild hoofed species. Transmission occurs via direct contact, aerosols, contaminated equipment or feed, and animal products. The incubation period ranges from about 2 to 14 days. Infected animals typically show fever, reduced vigor, drooling, lameness, and vesicular lesions in the mouth, tongue, and on the hooves. Mortality is usually low in adults but higher in young stock. Economic impact arises from production losses and strict trade restrictions during outbreaks.

Diagnosis combines clinical signs with laboratory confirmation, such as RT-PCR, antigen-detection ELISA, or virus isolation. Serotyping is essential for control, since vaccines are serotype-specific. Control measures include biosecurity, movement controls, surveillance, and sometimes stamping-out or vaccination, depending on policy and outbreak status. Vaccination can reduce clinical disease and spread but may interfere with serological surveillance.

FMD is a notifiable disease in many countries and is subject to international reporting to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Global status varies: many regions are disease-free with vaccination not used routinely; others remain endemic or at risk. Large outbreaks have occurred historically in Europe and Asia, prompting coordinated veterinary responses.

The acronym FMD can also refer to other terms in different contexts, but this article concerns foot-and-mouth disease.