FMD is a disease commonly found in the cattle population in India being endemic in Asia – the African continent. It is quite a widespread disease process and is considered to be an important viral disease of the ruminants. With strains SAT1, SAT2, SAT 3, ASIA 1, O, A & C, this disease affects both, the cattle as well as the Dairy farmer adversely. Cattle’s quality of life along with productive life seriously hampered with around Rs.18,000 – 22,000 Crores loss annually incurred according to a study. India has 528 million FMD-susceptible animals [Pattnaik et al 2012] which includes a wide variety of animals [Ungulates i.e., cloven-footed animals] such as cows, buffalo, goats, etc. with the disease is so dangerous and widespread.
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE
A viral disease caused by the
aphthous virus of the family Picornaviridae which affects the cloven-footed
animal species such as cow, buffaloes, goats, sheep, pigs, etc. it also affects
wildlife such as Bison, elephants, antelopes and deer being particularly
susceptible. Foot and Mouth disease is commonly abbreviated as FMD and is locally called मुंहपका-खुरपकारोग in the Hindi language. This disease manifests itself as vesicles
or blisters erupting on the foot, udder as well as mouth followed by erosion of
the affected areas. Restlessness, excessive salivation, discomfort drop in milk
yield and production, abortion, lameness and drop in infertility. Young animals
are particularly badly affected as this virus causes myocarditis [Inflammation
of the Myocardium of the Heart] and death. In susceptible populations, the
morbidity rate or the infection rate is as high as 100% which means if an
infected animal is introduced to a herd or if the susceptible crowd is
accidentally exposed to this virus, there is a good chance that almost 100% or
the entire herd will inevitably be infected.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
FMD major
signs associated with this disease [vesicles/pustules] are located in the foot
and mouth region of the cattle. The other signs and symptoms of FMD:
1. Increase in body temperature for 2-3 days with an
incubation period of this virus being 1-8 days [Signs and Symptoms start
flaring up at around Day 3]
2. Vesicles form in the mouth region, foot, udder
3. These vesicles may rupture further causing
erosion leaving a raw scar behind
4. Drooling of sticky, foamy and stringy saliva
from the mouth
5. Reduction in food consumption [as these lesions
are painful post rupturing] which makes the animal refuse to feed and water.
6. Immunity inevitably falls due to the ongoing
viral infection
7. Lameness and weakness
8. Loss of body weight which is caused both due to
the ongoing infection as well as secondary anorexia
9. Young animals affected by the FMD virus suffer
worse. Myocarditis and death are very rampant in young ones.
10.
Production
related signs are observed as well. These are:
·
Drop-in
milk yield
·
Abortions
·
Reduced
capacity of milking
·
Infertility
·
The fertility
rate goes downhill
·
Recovered
cows still show lower milk yield as compared to the pre-infection yield rate
FMD TREATMENT IN CATTLE
It is
essential to realize that FMD is a viral disease and it spreads through aerosols, contaminated fomites -milking
equipment, infected handling instruments, clothing, shoes, and transport
vehicles could potentially be the vehicle for disease particulates. Infected
food and water too can potentially spread the disease further. FMD is a
dangerous disease which can spread rather quickly, causing morbidity or
infection at a much higher rate than anticipated, this disease can be easily
prevented by-
1. Vaccination
A vaccine
is an efficient tool for protecting and safeguarding cattle from the threat of
viral diseases and has to be on time. The vaccination schedule of FMD is as
follows:
1st dose of the vaccine- To be given at the age
of 4 months and above
2nd dose [Booster Dose] -To be given a 1-month
post the previous dose
Subsequent
Dose – every 6 months - annually.
2. Ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation
Sanitation
is an important step which should never be overlooked or ignored. There are
many diseases and infections which flare up given the poor sanitation protocols
or poor managemental practices. Having good managemental practices and
sanitation protocol is critical for the health management of both: animals as
well as animal handlers or dairy farmers.
STEPS
TO FOLLOW:
·
Ensure
cleanliness of the cattle
·
Ensure
cleanliness of milking apparatus
·
Ensure
cleanliness of farm helpers or persons who are milking the cattle.
·
Ensure
that the dairy farm is well protected. All vehicles entering the farm must be
sanitized properly.
3. Boosting immunity
Immunity is the key to
survival. Immunity can be boosted by various techniques such as good quality
ration, stress-free and healthy lifestyle, immune-modulators, etc.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN FMD OUTBREAK?
If there
is an FMD outbreak nearby, there lies a threat that your farm could come under
the clutches of this viral outbreak. The most important step is to follow
strict sanitation protocols. Novel Homeopathic drug Foomasule No 1 is an
efficient tool to protect your cattle in case of an FMD outbreak nearby.
Foomasule No.1 gives immunity against all strains of the FMD virus and develops
resistance within 48 hours to 72 hours.
With the FMD outbreak on your farm, isolate the infected animals and protect the ones who are immunologically competent. For affected animals, the treatment is usually symptomatic which includes, saline antibiotics to prevent any secondary infections, vitamins and treating the local lesions. Foomasule No.2 responds against all strains of infections and cures mouth lesions and the animal starts grazing as soon as possible. There is reduced salivation which corresponds to the start of the recovery phase. The foot lesions start drying up faster preventing any exogenous growth between footpads.
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