FMD | What it is, symptoms and how it spreads

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a state-controlled disease and a serious animal health threat facing South Africa. This highly contagious viral illness affects cattle, sheep and goats, disrupting farming and trade. Effective prevention and control are essential to protect livestock, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the red meat industry.

What Is Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Animals?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral illness that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It remains one of the most serious threats to livestock health in South Africa and worldwide.

Animals Affected

Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and some wild game species.
Young animals (calves, lambs) are particularly vulnerable to high mortality.

Cause and Transmission

Caused by an Aphthovirus that spreads quickly between herds.
Transmission occurs through direct animal contact, contaminated feed, water or farm equipment.

Symptoms

Fever and reduced appetite.
Painful blisters on the mouth, tongue, hooves and teats.
Lameness, weight loss and a sharp decline in milk production.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has a direct and severe impact on livestock health, welfare and productivity. Once animals are infected, the consequences can be long-lasting and economically damaging.

Key Effects Include:

Reduced Productivity

Milk production drops sharply in dairy cows due to fever and mouth lesions.
Weight gain in beef cattle slows, reducing overall growth and market readiness.

Animal Welfare Issues

Painful blisters on the mouth, tongue and hooves make eating and walking difficult.
Lameness often results, limiting mobility and increasing vulnerability to secondary infections.
Mastitis in dairy cows, which results in culling.

Impact on Young Animals

Calves, lambs and piglets are especially at risk, with higher mortality rates.
Growth and development are stunted, reducing future productivity.

Long-Term Health Effects

Even after recovery, animals may suffer reduced fertility and ongoing weakness.
Herd performance declines, requiring additional resources for recovery.

Indirect Consequences

Farmers may be forced to cull infected animals to stop further spread.
Loss of valuable breeding stock disrupts herd development for years.

Overall, foot-and-mouth disease undermines both the health of animals and the economic security of farmers, making prevention and early control measures absolutely vital.