GADVASU issues advisory on Foot & Mouth Disease

Ludhiana 22- Feb -2011



The disease would have not assumed alarming proportion if farmers had adopted a proper vaccination schedule. The advice was shared by Dr. M.P. Gupta HOD Epidemiology & preventive medicine department of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana after visiting Dhianumajra village of Fatehgarh Sahib District which is in grip of Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) of animals. Dr. Gupta said that FMD is prevalent in many parts of the state. The disease is characterized by blister-like lesions on the tongue, nose and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the toes which then burst, leaving painful ulcers. The blisters cause a heavy flow of sticky, foamy salvia that hangs from the mouth. Infected animals sway from one foot to the other due to the tenderness of the feet. Although older cattle usually do not die from the direction, they suffer a severe illness which leaves them in a weakened state. They have high fevers, stop eating, give less milk and become lame.FMD usually runs its course in two to three weeks.



Dr. Gupta advised farmers to vaccinate their animals every 6 months interval from the veterinary doctor of nearest veterinary hospital. The vaccine should always be stored in refrigerator at 8-10.0°C and carried in thermocol containing ice during vaccination campaign. Separate disposable syringes and needles should be used for each animal during vaccination. Every animal in the herd including calves should be vaccinated to have high herd immunity to prevent virus circulation, excretion and subsequent transmission in a herd/ village. During outbreak of the disease ring vaccination in the radius of 5 km should be done in all the animals to check further spread of the disease. In a village the vaccination should be done to the healthy animals during outbreak. Avoid sale and purchase of new animals during outbreak. Cleaning of shed with 4 % sodium carbonate (washing soda) is advised to kill the virus. Creating a foot bath of 4 % sodium carbonate (washing soda) at the entry of farm will help in preventing the spread of disease. Lime powder should be spread on the floor of farms affected with FMD. Lesions in the mouth and foot should be washed with potassium permanganate solution (1:1000 dilution). Teat lesions should be dipped in betadine: glycerine (1:1) solution.

Due to lesions in mouth animals are off feed. Hence feed such animals with palatable green fodder. In order to avoid secondary bacterial infection in ailing animals, broad-spectrum antibiotics along with anti stress medicines should be given.

FMD is not a significant health risk to people. Human do not catch the virus Proper cooked meat and boiled milk of infected animals are safe to consume.

In case of emergency the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine can be contacted at 0161-2414030 no.


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