An official website of the United States government.
Search for Scientific Literature on Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Click on the following resources for scientific literature about foot-and-mouth disease in livestock.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe and highly contagious viral disease. The FMD virus causes sickness in animals with divided hooves (e.g., cows, pigs, sheep, goats, deer). It does not affect horses, dogs, or cats. FMD is a global concern because it can spread rapidly and cause significant economic losses. This disease is not related to hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is a common childhood sickness caused by an unrelated virus.
This page provides information and resources on FMD such as clinical signs, prevention and control, approved disinfectants, and events related to FMD.
Factsheet: Foot-and-Mouth Disease ( pdf | 39 KB )
USDA. APHIS. Veterinary Services.
This 2018 factsheet provides information on the signs, prevention and control of FMD.
FAO. Animal Production and Health Division.
Established in 1954, this European Commission web site provides links to reference documents, related organizations, and upcoming events related to foot-and-mouth disease.
Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Animal Health & Welfare.
From the UK, this site provides news, answers to commonly asked questions, biosecurity resources, and information on disinfection protocols.
Institute for Animal Health (Pirbright Laboratory).
Designated as the World Reference Laboratory for Foot-and-Mouth Disease by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Office International des Epizooties (OIE).
Office International des Epizooties (OIE).
Contains information on prevention and control as well as a link to worldwide experts and laboratories.
Government of Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
Contains information on approved disinfectants, suppliers, instructions for use, matting and power washing equipment suppliers, etc.
Global Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Alliance.
A worldwide association of animal research organizations that are involved in combating foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
Merck & Co., Inc.
Chapter from The Merck Veterinary Manual includes information on the etiology, transmission, diagnosis and treatment of food and mouth disease.