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Diagnostic checklist
for FMD
Lame sheep
Sheep foot lesion
Sheep mouth lesion
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FMD often produces only a mild clinical disease in sheep
and goats.
The initial pyrexic phase may pass unnoticed. -
Sudden lameness may be seen in a large proportion of
the flock.
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If infection enters around the time of lambing, mortality
in lambs can be very high due to myocarditis.
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Vesicles may be found on the
Vesicles can often be small and difficult to find. Close
examination of each cleat of each foot is important in a thorough clinical
examination of sheep for FMD. -
Vesicles, or more usually erosions, can be found on
the tongue, buccal mucosa or dental pad.
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Sheep may also become persistently infected carriers
of FMD.
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Lesions due to FMD are prone to secondary bacterial
infection and, conversely, lesions of the hoof can predispose to infection
with FMD virus by the percutaneous route. Particular care must therefore
be paid to sheep showing any lesions of the feet.
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