Foot And Mouth Disease: Producers Should Be Prepared

Mouth Disease (FMD) in Germany on Jan. 10 and Hungary on March 6, 2025, it’s important for producers to be aware of the risks of this disease, especially if — or when— it were to appear in the U.S.

“Foot and mouth disease, while harmless to us as human beings, is a highly contagious viral disease on animals with cloven-hooves, including cattle, pigs, sheep and goats,” says Meranda Small, Idaho State BQA Coordinator. “It also has the ability to impact and equally affect wildlife species such as deer, elk and bison, giving them the opportunity to move the disease across state lines and from one location to another.”

Barry Whitworth, DVM, Oklahoma State University Extension Veterinarian, says there are seven known serotypes of the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV).

“The large number of serotypes makes vaccine development difficult since immunity to one serotype does not protect against others,” he explains. “The disease is not a public health threat, however, it can spread easily and cause severe economic hardship.”

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