FMD viruses can be spread by animals, people, or materials that bring the virus into physical contact with susceptible animals. Animals carrying the virus are introduced into susceptible herds Contaminated facilities are used to hold susceptible animals. Contaminated vehicles are used to move susceptible animals. Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing infected meat or animal products is fed to susceptible animals. Susceptible animals are exposed to materials such as hay, feedstuffs, hides, or biologics contaminated with the virus.
Susceptible animals drink common source contaminated water.
A susceptible cow is inseminated by semen from an infected bull. FMD outbreaks can cause extreme economic losses for infected areas. Although many animals survive infection, there are serious consequences. The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the hooves. Due to painful blisters and lesions in the mouth, infected animals loose weight and often never gain it back.