Overview of Foot-and-mouth disease

By Boetie Kirchner

What is foot-and-mouth disease?

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious, sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. The disease occurs worldwide and poses a serious threat to animal production. Although many countries have been free of foot-and-mouth disease for several years, it remains a major cause for concern. Strict biosecurity measures are essential to prevent outbreaks.

Humans are normally not susceptible to the foot-and-mouth disease virus, and it should not be confused with the so-called “hand, foot and mouth disease”, which does occur in humans.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease include a high fever, as well as sores and/or blisters in the mouth, leading to excessive, slimy salivation. Sores and blisters may also occur between the hooves; these often rupture, causing lameness.

Due to pain, animals lose their appetite, and their body condition declines rapidly. In dairy cattle, a sharp decrease in milk production is observed. Although some species, particularly certain wildlife species, are more resistant and do not always show symptoms, the virus can persist in the animal and infect other animals.

While most animals eventually recover from foot-and-mouth disease, it can cause inflammation of the heart muscle and, in severe cases, lead to death, especially in young and weakened animals. Some infected animals show no visible symptoms but can still transmit the disease to other animals.

Control measures

Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development released a NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN for the Control of an Outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the FMD Free Zone – click here.

This Contingency Plan is intended to provide strategies to contain, control and eradicate an outbreak of FMD in the area legislated as the FMD-free zone without vaccination in Table 1 of the Animal Disease Regulations R2026 of 1986. This document provides guidance on “best practice” regarding the implementation of prescribed disease control measures. Should there be a need to deviate from prescribed control measures, such deviations must be approved by the appropriate authority.

At present, we are also aware of a protocol in Limpopo that regulates the movement of live livestock and wildlife into, out of, and through the province – click here.  North West Province issued a similar protocol on 14 January but later withdrew it.

For the latest update on FMD in the Freestate province – click here. 

To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no restrictions on the transport of game meat, provided it does not originate from an infected area.

Prevention

There are several simple, practical ways to limit the spread of the virus. Read more about how you, as a hunter and/or owner of a hunting destination, can reduce the risk – click here. 

Biosecurity

The responsible and correct implementation of biosecurity measures plays a key role in preventing the spread of the virus. Consult your local veterinarian or state veterinarian for comprehensive guidelines on measures that will work best in your area.

Branches of SA Hunters that operate shooting ranges on livestock farms must confirm in advance with the landowner which biosecurity measures apply on the property concerned. Click here for examples. 

Be cautious

SA Hunters appeals to members not to unnecessarily complicate the situation by accepting unverified information or rumours about foot-and-mouth disease as fact, and spreading them on social media or verbally. Please conduct thorough research beforehand on the area in which you plan to hunt and ensure that you are aware of the applicable facts and regulations.

Enjoy your preparations and the hunt!