FMD was eradicated from Mexico in 1954. FMD is most severe in cattle and causes fever and vesicles in the mouth and on the feet. These cause lameness and decreased feed intake because of pain. The virus takes from 1 to 7 days from the time of infection to the development of clinical signs. The vesicles rupture within 24 hours leaving a painful lesion.
Vesicles also occur around the coronary band causing lameness.
As vesicles heal, animals return to eating over several days, but may take up to 6 months to fully recover. Occasionally, the heart muscle is damaged and acute death ensues. Diarrhea, sometimes including blood may be seen. In sheep, goats and swine, the disease is usually much less severe. FMD is not considered a particularly lethal disease.