Foot-and-mouth disease - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Definition

Epidemic and highly contagious disease caused by a virus (Coxsackie species, group A 1, type 16, of the genus Anterovirus of the Picornavirus family). This virus is specific to bovids. Contamination (exceptional) of humans (for whom foot-and-mouth disease is benign) occurs through a wound and exceptionally through the digestive tract (absorption of infected raw milk). This disease (the greatest scourge of livestock farming) can be transmitted to dogs, sheep, pigs, alpacas, antelopes, buffaloes, among others. There is no evidence of contamination between humans themselves (inter-human).

Symptoms

The incubation period (period between contamination and the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease) is approximately 3 to 5 days.

Fever

Appearance of vesicles in the mouth, on the hands and feet

Presence of canker sores on the mucous membrane of the mouth. This symptom corresponds to aphthous stomatitis. Canker sores can also be present on and between the fingers.

Sometimes there are headaches accompanied by dizziness.

Treatment

Disinfection of lesions

Analgesics (pain medications)

Elimination of infected animals.

Evolution

The disease lasts on average 2 to 3 days. There is sometimes a worsening (malignant form) characterized by damage to the respiratory system, the nervous system and the digestive system. Involvement of the digestive tract results in diarrhea and sometimes hemorrhages. Severe forms affect the glottis and the lungs, and can cause respiratory problems.