FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE 



By John E. Mohlee, V. M. D., 

 Assistant Chief, Bureau of Animal Industry. 



Nature and Characteristics. — ^Poot-and-moufli disease, 

 also known as aphthous fever, epizootic aphtha, and 

 eczema contagiosa, is an acute, highly communicable 

 disease chiefly confined to cloven-footed animals and 

 characterized by an eruption of vesicles or blisters on 

 the mucous membrane of the mouth and on the skin 

 between the toes and above the hoofs. The vesicles rup- 

 ture, forming erosions and ulcerations; there are also 

 salivation, tenderness of the affected parts, loss of appe- 

 tite, lameness, emaciation, and diminution in the quan- 

 tity of milk secreted. 



The tremendous ravages of the disease are seen in the 

 number and variety of the species attacked. While it 

 may be regarded as essentially a disease of cattle, hogs 

 would seem to be as easy a prey. Almost in the same 

 grade of receptivity are sheep and goats. Next in order 

 of susceptibility come the buffalo, American bison, 

 camel, chamois, llama, giraffe, and antelope. Horses, 

 dogs, eats, and even poultry may occasionally become 

 infected with the disease, the last three being particu- 

 larly dangerous as carriers of the contagion. Man him- 

 self is not immune, and the frequency of his infection 

 by coming in contact with diseased animals is established 

 by numerous observations. 



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