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Science

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is an infectious disease of cloven-hoofed animals caused by Foot-and-mouth disease virus. It is considered endemic throughout Africa, mainland Asia and South America (though there has not been an outbreak in South America since 2001). North and Central America and the Caribbean and most of Europe, Oceania and non-mainland South-Eastern Asia are recognised as Foot-and-Mouth Disease free.

The virus causes a fever for 2 to six days  followed by the appearance of blisters inside the mouth and on the feet (which may cause lameness if they rupture). There is no treatment for Foot-and-Mouth Disease, though vaccination is possible.

Information about FMD

 

FMDV real-time RT-PCR assays


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