Clinical signs of Foot and Mouth Disease
Animals with Foot and Mouth Disease may show some of the following signs
Signs of Foot and Mouth in Cattle
Signs of Foot and Mouth in Sheep
- Sudden, severe lameness
- Lies down frequently and is very unwilling to rise
- When made to rise stands in a half-crouching position, with hind legs brought well forward, reluctant to move
- Blisters may be found on the hoof where the horn joins the skin which may extend all round the coronet and in the cleft of the foot. When they burst the horn is separated from the tissues underneath, and hair round the hoof may appear damp
- The dental pad and sometimes the tongue
- Pictures of infected sheep can be found using this link
Signs of Foot and Mouth in Pigs
- Sudden lameness
- Prefers to lie down
- When made to move squeals loudly and hobbles painfully
- Blisters form on the upper edge of the hoof, where the skin and horn meet, and on the heels and in the cleft
- May extend right round the top of the hoof with the result that the horn becomes separated
- Blisters may develop on the snout or on the tongue
- Pictures of infected pigs can be found using this link
Anyone suspecting FMD must immediately inform their local
Divisional Veterinary Office or their Private Veterinary Practice (PVP). For other FMD related queries please contact the DARD Helpline 0300 200 7840
