With the ban by the Arab countries, India s meat exports have fallen from 30,000 tonnes in February 2001 to 15,000 tonnes. FMD is a disease caused by a virus belonging to the genus Apthov irus of the family Picornaviradae. In India, the virus is endemic, with four basic types and numerous variants. Due to various reasons, a slaughtering policy cannot be adopted in India, and the disease has to be controlled by regular vaccination, supported by early diagnosis, proper disposal of infected animals and restricting animal movement. There may also be salivation and frequent smacking of the lips.
Eating becomes painful.
Because soft tissues under the hoof become inflamed, the animal becomes lame and may eventually shed its hooves. Livestock raised for meat may lose weight, and dairy cattle and goats give less milk. Often, the disease kills young animals and causes pregnant females to abort. Stopping FMD FMD is a highly infectious disease that can be spread by infected cattle feed or direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Most commonly, the disease is spread from one animal to another when they are close together.