Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects all (both wild and domestic) cloven-hoofed animals. FMD is caused by a nonenveloped, icosahedral, single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Aphthovirus, in the family Picornaviridae. FMD is highly regulated, and is an
OIE-listed disease by the World Organization for Animal Health.
Goats usually develop a subclinical form of FMD, where they can act as a source of infection for other species. When goats do show signs of FMD, they are more often associated with the feet than the mouth. In kids, peracute death from myocarditis often occurs with no other signs.
There is no specific treatment for FMD, however supportive care can be provided to help infected animals with recovery.
Transmission: FMD is transmitted most commonly by inhalation of aerosolized virus or by direct entry of virus into abraded epithelium of the mouth or feet.
