Foot and mouth disease

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious eruptive epizootic caused by several types of viruses. It involves the development of ulcerating vesicles on the buccal mucosa and on the hooves. It particularly affects cattle but can be transmitted to goats, sheep, pigs and even human beings. Although unpleasant and painful, causing gum and mouth ulcers, foot and mouth disease is a rare, mild disease. Humans are therefore not vaccinated and treatment is limited to local analgesia and disinfectants. However, there are severe forms of the disease, accompanied by gastro-intestinal problems (vomiting, diarrohea), bleeding, or respiratory complications (broncho-pneumonia), which occur in people in poor general health, or those who are frail or suffering from fatigue.