Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Sample and Notification Guide for Farmers

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cattle and buffalo that causes fever, blisters and a fall in milk. It is notifiable, so owners should tell their veterinarian or the animal husbandry department if they suspect it. A vet takes the samples, and RT-PCR and antibody tests help to confirm it and to understand the herd.

What are the signs of FMD?

Typical signs are a sudden fever, drooling, a smacking of the lips, blisters or sores on the tongue, gums and inside the mouth, blisters between the toes and above the hooves, and lameness. Milk yield falls, and blisters can appear on the teats. Young calves can die suddenly. These signs resemble other diseases, which is why a vet's examination and tests matter.

Why is it notifiable?

FMD spreads very easily, on breath, saliva, milk, dung, vehicles, boots, equipment and people's clothes. A single case can put many herds at risk, so the authorities need to know early. Owners should tell their veterinarian or the animal husbandry department about any animal they suspect. The lab cannot promise to control an outbreak, and decisions about movement and control are made by the authorities.

Who takes the samples?

A veterinarian should take them, wearing protective clothing and following biosecurity steps so that the virus is not carried to other farms. Usual samples are fluid or the skin from a fresh blister, and blood for serum. Always phone the lab before sending, because FMD samples need careful packing and handling. The lab confirms the sample needs and the reporting time when you book.

What do the lab tests show?

Different tests answer different questions.

• The FMD Virus RT-PCR looks for the genetic material of the FMD virus in blister samples and other suitable samples. RT-PCR (real-time PCR) can name the virus even in small amounts and early in the illness.
• The FMD NSP (3ABC) Antibody ELISA looks for antibodies to a non-structural protein of the virus. These are made when an animal has been infected, and they are not made in the same way after vaccination, so the test helps to tell infection from vaccination.
• The FMD Structural-Protein Antibody ELISA (Vaccine Response) measures antibodies to the structural proteins, which show the response to vaccination.
• The FMD Virus Serotyping (O, A & Asia 1) helps to find which type of virus is involved. FMD virus has several types, and O, A and Asia 1 are the ones listed here. Knowing the type matters for choosing a vaccine that matches.

A registered veterinarian reads all results together with the animals' signs. A negative result does not always rule FMD out, for instance if the sample was poor or taken late.

What can you do on the farm?

Separate sick animals, stop visitors, keep vehicles and people from moving between herds, and wash boots and hands. Do not sell or move animals. Ask your vet about vaccination and about protecting the rest of the herd; the lab gives no vaccination schedules. The Cattle Viral RT-PCR Panel groups RT-PCR tests for FMD and four other viruses, when a vet wants to rule several in or out.

Is FMD a risk to people?

FMD seldom causes illness in people, but people can carry the virus on their hands, clothes and boots to other animals. That is why washing and clean clothing matter. Tell your vet if neighbouring farms have sick animals, if animals have been bought or moved recently, or if people who visit other farms have been on yours. These facts help the vet judge how the virus may have arrived and which samples to take. Keep a list of visitors and vehicles for the days before the first signs, because the authorities may ask for it. The vet will also tell you how to handle milk from sick animals, since the virus can be present in it.

Read next

To compare the viral panel with related diseases, read Cattle Viral RT-PCR Panel: FMD, LSD, BVD, Bluetongue and IBR. For milk quality after an illness in the herd, see Antibiotic Residue and Aflatoxin M1 Tests in Milk.

Testing in Bhopal

Call the lab on +91 88175 01118 before any FMD sample leaves the farm. The lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and the lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Samples are taken by your vet and can be sent by courier, bus parcel or through the vet.