Provincial veterinarian, Dr. David Alves , stresses that, while Foot and Mouth Disease and Mad Cow Disease or BSE share some similarities, important differences also exist. By law, both Foot and Mouth and BSE are reportable diseases and any suspect case must be immediately reported to a federal veterinarian . Foot and Mouth is a viral disease affecting cloven hooved animals including cattle, sheep and swine. It does not pose a threat to human health or food safety . Symptoms include fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on teats and between the hooves.
Many affected animals recover but are weakened and suffer production losses.
The disease is highly contagious and is one of the most serious of livestock illnesses . The virus can spread by air and contaminated vehicles, facilities, feed or water - even on clothing. Canada has been free of Foot and Mouth disease since 1952. Federal import controls have recently been enhanced to prevent the entry of this virus. In contrast, BSE or Mad Cow Disease is a slowly progressive but fatal neurological disorder of cattle.