Foot and Mouth Disease Virus

Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV)

FMDV is a highly contagious Aphthovirus that affects all cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. It causes a vesicular disease with major economic impact due to rapid spread, severe production losses, and trade restrictions.

Clinical signs in cattle include:

• Fever and vesicles on the mouth, feet, and teats
• Salivation, lameness, and reluctance to move
• Sharp decline in milk yield

Due to its high transmissibility and severity, FMD is a notifiable disease requiring immediate action.

qPCR testing provides:

• Ultra-sensitive detection of viral RNA from vesicular fluid, epithelial tissue, or oropharyngeal swabs
• Fast confirmation of infection, enabling rapid containment
• Differentiation from other vesicular diseases (e.g., vesicular stomatitis, swine vesicular disease)

This test is essential for outbreak control, especially in regions aiming to maintain or regain FMD-free status. All suspected cases must be reported to veterinary authorities.