Hence, without depopulation and isolation for a given time period, economic losses are incurred continuously. The costs of depopulation and loss of milk and meat production for a country infected with FMD can be staggering. Blisters rupture, leaving erosions. Slobbering of sticky, foamy, stringy saliva can be observed along with lameness and a corresponding reluctance to move. A drop in feed intake is evidence of a painful, sore mouth.
Fever is common during the first two to three days.
Nearly all animals recover, but may become carriers of the virus. And, as stated previously, production does not return to pre-disease levels after recovery. Whenever foot or mouth blisters or other signs typical of FMD are observed and reported, a lab test is needed to determine the cause of disease. Currently, North America, Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Chile are FMD-free. The disease is widespread in Africa, Asia, and South America.