For general reference, Foot and Mouth Disease information supplied by Northern Tablelands LLS in their Ag Update - July 2022.

In May 2022, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was reported in Indonesia. Spread of this outbreak into Bali was confirmed in July 2022.

FMD is an acute, highly contagious viral disease of animals that affects cloven-hoofed animals (those with divided hooves), including cattle, buffalo, camels, sheep, goats, deer and pigs. It does not usually cause deaths in adult animals but does cause serious production losses. It is characterised by the formation of painful vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) and ulcers in the mouth. Vesicles may also be found on the skin between and above the hoofs and also the nostrils and on the teats.

Notes on clinical signs:
• The symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
• Lameness, drooling and fever are often seen.
• Blisters or vesicles develop between the toes and on the heels, mouth and teats then rupture leaving raw ulcers that heal over about ten days.
• The clinical expression of infection varies between species according to the dose and strain of the virus.
• Sheep and goats generally show fairly mild signs when infected which may be missed if not examined carefully. Because FMD is very contagious, many, or even all of the animals in a herd become infected, however, deaths are unusual except in young animals

Remember that cloven-hoofed feral animals carry the disease, so even if there is no stock movement on and off your property your animals can still become infected.

It is critical that all livestock owners here in Australia know what FMD looks like, and that they check their animals regularly. If you suspect any signs of FMD you must report it immediately to a Local Land Services District Veterinarian (DV) on 1300 795 299 or to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, which is manned 24 hours a day.

Please visit the NSW DPI website for further information. 

Image: FAO-EUFMD