Painful blisters then erupt on the tongue, dental pads, gums, lips, above the hoof wall and between the hooves. Blisters can also be found on teats and udders and on areas of skin subject to trauma. Milk yields drop drastically in milking animals and all animals show a loss of condition and growth rate. Recovered cattle may be carriers of FMD for 18 - 24 months. There are numerous other effects of FMD in all animals.
Recovery takes approximately two weeks in cattle.
Because FMD is one of the most difficult infections to control and the disease is found in many parts of the world, there is always a chance of a reintroduction into the United States. An outbreak would cost billions of dollars in lost production, loss of export market and loss of animals during eradication of the disease. Other actions include travelers from these countries identifying any farm contact. Noted in all releases is that humans are not susceptible to the disease, they can transport the disease, but the economic consequences can be very devastating.