A disease commonly found in the cattle population in India is endemic in Asia – the African continent. FMD is quite a widespread disease process and is considered to be an important viral disease of the ruminants. With strains SAT1, SAT2, SAT 3, ASIA 1, O, A & C, this disease affects both, the cattle as well as the Dairy farmer adversely. Cattle’s quality of life along with productive life seriously hampered with around Rs.18,000 – 22,000 Crore loss annually incurred according to a study. India has 528 million FMD-susceptible animals [Pattnaik et al 2012] which includes a wide variety of animals such as cows, buffalo, goats, etc. with the disease being so dangerous and widespread, it is essential to understand more about this disease, how it manifests, how domestic animals get infected, what is the outcome and what is the probable line of treatment for the same. In today’s blog, let us unveil the world of FMD and some of the FAQs about it.
WHAT IS FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE?
Foot and Mouth Disease is a viral disease caused by an aphthous virus of the family Picornaviridae which affects the cloven-footed animal species such as cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, etc. it also affects wildlife such as Bison, elephants, antelopes, and deer being particularly susceptible. Foot and Mouth disease commonly as FMD and is locally called मुंहपका-खुरपकारोग in Hindi Local language. This disease manifests itself as vesicles or blisters erupting on the foot, udder as well as mouth followed by erosion of the affected areas.
Result? Restlessness, excessive salivation, discomfort, drop in milk yield and production, abortion, lameness, and drop infertility. Young animals are particularly badly affected as this virus causes myocarditis [Inflammation of Myocardium of Heart] and death. In susceptible populations, the morbidity rate or the infection rate is as high as 100% which means if an infected animal is introduced to the herd or if the susceptible crowd is accidentally exposed to this virus, there is a good chance that almost 100% or the entire herd will inevitably be infected.
COMMONLY OBSERVED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Any disease process manifests itself in the form of commonly observed signs and symptoms. FMD signs are located in the foot and mouth region of the cattle. The other signs and symptoms are:
1. Increase in body temperature for 2-3 days with an incubation period of this virus being 1-8 days [Signs and Symptoms start flaring up at around Day 3]
2. Vesicles formation at mouth region, foot, udder
3. These vesicles may rupture further causing erosion leaving a raw scar behind
4. Drooling of sticky, foamy, and stringy saliva from the mouth
5. Reduction in food consumption [as these lesions are painful post rupturing] which makes the animal refuse to feed and water.
6. Immunity inevitably falls due to the ongoing viral infection
7. Lameness and weakness
8. Loss of body weight is caused both due to the ongoing infection as well as secondary anorexia
9. Young animals affected with the FMD virus suffer worse. Myocarditis and death are very rampant in young ones.
10. Production-related signs are observed as well. These are:
· Drop-in milk yield
· Abortions
· Reduced capacity of milking
· Infertility
· The fertility rate goes downhill
· Recovered cows still show lower milk yield as compared to the pre-infection yield rate
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE: HOW TO PREVENT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN CATTLE?
FMD is a viral disease and it spreads through aerosols, contaminated fomites [milking equipment, infected handling instruments, clothing, shoes, transport vehicles could potentially be the vehicle for disease particulates. Infected food and water too can potentially spread the disease further. This gives us an idea, of how this virus can potentially aggravate and spread from one farm to another creating an atmosphere of chaos causing heavy losses to farmers and animal health.
FMD is a dangerous disease that can spread rather quickly, causing morbidity or infection at a much higher rate than anticipated, however, this disease can be prevented by-
1. Vaccination
Vaccinate your farm animals on time. Vaccines are an efficient tool for protecting and safeguarding cattle from the threat of viral diseases such as FMD. The vaccination schedule of FMD is as follows:
1st dose of the vaccine- To be given at the age of 4 months and above
2nd dose [Booster Dose] -To be given 1-month post the previous dose
Subsequent Dose – every 6 months to annually.
2. Ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation
Sanitation is an important step that should never be overlooked or ignored. Not just FMD, but there are many diseases and infections which flare up given the poor sanitation protocols or poor management practices.
What you can do:
· Ensure cleanliness of the cattle [Medicated or Routine Bath as indicated, proper grooming schedule, timely cleaning of urine, dung, etc]
· Ensure cleanliness of milking apparatus [All milking apparatus must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before milk collection]
· Ensure cleanliness of farm helpers or persons who are milking the cattle. [Hands, feet must be thoroughly washed before milking, clean clothing is a must]
· Ensure that the dairy farm is well protected. All vehicles entering the farm must be sanitized properly.
3. Boosting immunity
Yes, Immunity has been playing a crucial role in protecting our bodies from harmful foreign pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, etc. Immunity can be boosted by various techniques such as a good quality ratio, stress-free and healthy lifestyle, immune-modulators, etc. Do check out our blog on immunity as well to learn more about immunity and its role.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN FMD OUTBREAK?
So, in case, there is an FMD outbreak nearby, there lies a threat that your farm could come under the clutches of this viral outbreak. So how do we protect our beloved cattle?
Answer - by following strict sanitation protocols. Novel Homeopathic drug Foomasule No 1. Is an efficient tool to protect your cattle in case of an FMD outbreak nearby. Foomasule No.1 gives immunity against all strains of the FMD virus and develops resistance within 48 hours to 72 hours. It is effective even in conditions where there is the constraint of separating diseased animals from the herd.
FIGHTING FMD:
If there is an FMD outbreak on your farm, it is important to isolate the infected animals and protect the ones who are immunologically competent. For affected animals, the FMD treatment is usually symptomatic which includes, saline [if there is prolonged anorexia and weakness], antibiotics to prevent any secondary infections, vitamins, and treating the local lesions. Along with conventional therapy, Foomasule no 2 is a homeopathic drug that helps combat this war against the foot & mouth disease virus.
The Goel Vet Pharma has the best quality medicine for the cattle in your house with no side effects.
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