August 2022

TEXT-ONLY VERSION (scroll to bottom to download Newsletter in PDF)

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

In April 2022, it was announced by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development that South Africa is currently battling 56 outbreaks cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Farms in the Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng are effected. South Africa previously had OIE recognized FMD-free status, however due to the illegal movements of animals out of the FMD controlled zones in Limpopo, and subsequent outbreaks, this status was lost.

FMD is caused by a virus of the family Picornavirdae, genus Aphthovirus. The virus has seven immunological distinct serotypes which do not confer cross immunity. The virus itself can be preserved by refrigeration and freezing and is progressively inactivated by temperatures above 50C.

FMD only affects cloven-hoofed animals e.g., cattle, sheep, goats and
pigs and cloven-hoofed wildlife such as buffalo and antelope. It can be transmitted through:
• Direct contact between infected and susceptible animals.
• Direct contact of susceptible animals with fomites (hands, footwear, clothing, vehicles, etc.).
• Consumption (primarily by pigs) of untreated contaminated meat products (swill feeding).
• Ingestion of contaminated milk (by calves).
• Artificial insemination with contaminated semen.
• Long distance airborne spread, especially in temperate zones.

Humans can also harbour the FMD virus in their respiratory tract for 24-48 hours. This virus is incredibly contagious and requires incredibly strict bio-security measures and surveillance to be put in place. The following can be implemented prophylactically:

• Protection of free zones by border control of the movements of animals and their products and by surveillance.
• Application of OIE recommended procedures for inactivation of FMD virus in animal-derived products.
• Quarantine measures.
• Slaughter of infected, recovered, and FMD-susceptible contact animals.
• Cleaning and disinfection of premises and all infected material, such as implements, cars, and clothes,
• Disposal of carcasses, bedding, and contaminated animal products in the infected area in a safe and effective manner where the virus can be destroyed and contained.

FMD has a severe negative impact on the economy of the country as it affects international and local trade in animals, animal products and related products such as feed and trophies.

If you think your animals may have FMD, please inform your Animal Health Technician, Extension Officer, or State Veterinarian immediately. Do not move any animals from the property until the State Veterinarian has confirmed the animals do not have FMD.

FMD causes fever, which is followed by the development of blisters chiefly in the mouth and feet. Therefore, animals may stop eating and become lame.

EarthPet’s Infographic

Herd Disease: If one animal in the herd is infected; the whole herd must be considered as potentially infected. It has a severe negative impact on the economy of the country as it affects international and local trade in animals, animal products and related products such as feed and trophies.

Affects: FMD is caused by a virus, which only affects cloven-hoofed animals e.g., cattle, sheep, goats and pigs and cloven-hoofed wildlife such as buffalo and antelope.

Affected Areas:

• Limpopo
• North West
• Kwa-Zulu Natal
• Free State
• Gauteng

Transmission:

• Direct contact between infected and susceptible animals.
• Direct contact of susceptible animals with fomites (hands, footwear, clothing, vehicles, etc.).
• Consumption (primarily by pigs) of untreated contaminated meat products (swill feeding).
• Ingestion of contaminated milk (by calves).
• Artificial insemination with contaminated semen.
• Long distance airborne spread, especially in temperate zones.
• Humans can also harbour the FMD virus in their respiratory tract for 24-48 hours.

Be Vigilant: All owners, managers and persons working with cloven hoofed animals must be vigilant and use good biosecurity practices to keep their herds safe.

FMD Virus: FMD is caused by a virus of the family Picornavirdae, genus Aphthovirus. The virus has seven immunological distinct serotypes which do not confer cross immunity. The virus itself can be preserved by refrigeration and freezing and is progressively inactivated by temperatures above 50°C.

If you suspect FMD: Inform your Animal Health Technician, Extension Officer, or State Veterinarian immediately. Do not move any animals from the property until the State Veterinarian has confirmed the animals do not have FMD.

References

Dalrrd.gov.za. 2022. Important facts you should know about Foot and Mouth Disease. [online] Available at: <https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/vetweb/Animal%20Identification/Foot%20and%20Mouth%20Disease%20Flyers_Eng.pdf> [Accessed 27 July 2022].

WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health. 2022. Foot and mouth disease – WOAH – World Organisation for Animal Health. [online] Available at: <https://www.woah.org/en/disease/foot-and-mouth-disease/> [Accessed 27 July 2022].

Woah.org. 2022. Foot and Mouth Disease Technical Disease Card. [online] Available at: <https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2021/09/foot-and-mouth-disease-1.pdf> [Accessed 27 July 2022].