The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves. The resulting excessive salivating or lameness are the best known signs of the disease. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk. Consumption of feed is reduced because of painful tongue and mouth lesions.
Abortions often occur.
Milk flow of infected cows drops abruptly. Conception rates may be low. Meat animals do not normally regain lost weight for many months. Recovered diary cows seldom produce milk at their former rates. There is no cure for the disease, and it usually runs its course in 2 or 3 weeks with most animals recovering, although some animals take up to 6 months to fully recover.