Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying recently reviewed the progress towards achieving the goal of FMD-Mukt Bharat (Foot and Mouth Disease-Free India) by 2030 through vaccination.
About Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):
- FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs.
- Horses, dogs, and cats are not susceptible.
Causes:
- FMD is caused by an Aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family.
- There are seven strains (A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, Asia1) of the virus, each requiring a specific vaccine.
Symptoms:
- Infected animals display symptoms such as fever, blisters on the tongue, lips, in and around the mouth, on mammary glands, and around hooves.
Prevention Measures:
- Vaccination programs targeting specific strains.
- Early detection and warning systems.
- Effective surveillance and control measures to prevent outbreaks.
Global Recognition:
- FMD was the first disease for which the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) established an official list of disease-free countries or zones.
Impact:
- Significant economic losses due to reduced milk yield, slower growth rates, and infertility.
- Trade restrictions on animal products from affected regions.
- The disease affects 77% of the global livestock population, with severe impacts in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of South America.
- Prevention and Control Costs: Low-income and lower-middle-income countries bear 75% of the global costs related to FMD prevention, with Africa and Eurasia incurring the highest costs (50% and 33%, respectively).
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and pigs.
How is Foot and Mouth Disease transmitted?
FMD spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated feed, equipment, or by airborne transmission in some cases.
Can Foot and Mouth Disease affect humans?
FMD primarily affects animals, and while it is rare, humans can contract the virus, but the disease is usually mild.