Explainer: FMD: Spot the signs, stop the spread
A veterinarian in Namibia is warning livestock owners to isolate animals showing signs of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to prevent an outbreak. The guidance includes specific symptoms to watch for and hygiene protocols to contain the spread of the virus.
Why it matters
FMD is a highly contagious disease that can devastate agricultural economies and food security if not managed through strict biosecurity measures.
Kamanjab-based veterinarian Martin Katumbe is urging livestock owners to isolate animals suspected of having foot-and-mouth disease and immediately contact their nearest veterinarian.
He describes foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as a viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, kudu, oryx and eland.
Infected animals develop blisters inside the mouth, which may burst after one or two days, leaving painful ulcers on the tongue, gums or lips, he says.
The pain causes excessive salivation and makes eating difficult, leading to weight loss.
Similar sores develop in the hooves, causing animals to limp or become reluctant to walk.
Katumbe says livestock owners should place suspected cases in a separate camp with their own water and feed to prevent close contact with other animals.
Owners should also clean themselves, their clothes and shoes before handling healthy animals or feed, he says.
A veterinarian would provide further guidance.
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