Nature of the disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease is characterized by the formation of vesicles (fluid-filled blisters) and erosions in the mouth, nose, teats and feet. Although not very lethal in adult animals, it causes serious production losses and is a major constraint in international trade.

Classification
WOAH Listed disease 

Susceptible species
Cloven-hoofed animals (ungulates) are susceptible to FMD. Of the domestic species, cattle, buffaloes, pigs, sheep, goats and deer are susceptible. 

Where it occurs
The FMD situation has improved markedly in recent years particularly in Europe and some countries in south east Asia and South America. However, the disease remains endemic and at a high prevalence in many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America. Europe, North and Central America, Pacific nations and the Caribbean are free of the disease.

References

Please check our Knowledge Bank for updated information, our photo database and our online training courses.

Watch the video "What you need to know about Foot-and-Mouth Disease" (also available in French, Spanish, Greek, Serbian, Bulgarian, Turkish and Brazilian Portuguese).

Challenges to effective FMD control
These are some of the challenges and gaps that are hindering the progress of FMD control which require concerted efforts and funding at national, regional and international levels.