PREVENTION AND EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

1. Characteristics of Foot-and-Mouth Disease
- FMD is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Aphthovirus, family Picornaviridae, group RNA viruses. It usually manifests through vesicular (pustular) signs in the epithelial cells near the hoof, between the hooves, and on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue.
- There are a total of 7 types of viruses causing FMD, among which types A, O, and Asia 1 mainly affect buffaloes and cows, with type O being common in pigs.
- This virus can survive in the environment from 14 days in summer to 4 weeks in winter.
2. Modes of Transmission
- The virus can be transmitted through various means such as secretions from infected animals: saliva, feces, urine, semen, milk, and the fluid in pustules of sick animals, or through the air.
- Transmission can also occur through the digestive and respiratory tracts, as well as via care and feeding equipment, and grazing areas.
3. Symptoms
- Common symptoms include high fever, reduced appetite, fatigue, and difficulty moving and standing.
- Skin may develop sores and pustules, particularly around the hoof area and mouth mucous membranes.
- The disease progresses through different stages: incubation, outbreak, and final stage. Close monitoring of these stages is necessary for timely intervention.
                 
                                                                                         Image 1. Foot-and-Mouth Disease
4. Solutions
To effectively prevent the disease, farmers should proactively use vaccines to immunize buffaloes, cows, and pigs twice a year.
Since FMD is caused by a virus, there is no specific cure. However, the following steps can be applied to control the disease and prevent its spread, using supportive medications to enhance strength, anti-inflammatory drugs to combat hoof and mucosal infections, and assist in faster recovery for buffaloes, cows, and pigs.
Step 1: Isolation
When detecting buffaloes, cows, or pigs with high fever, reluctance to move, or frequent lying down, check body temperature and hoof areas to identify symptoms. Immediately isolate any suspected or infected animals. Do not graze suspected or infected livestock.
Step 2: Sanitize Housing
Upon detecting or suspecting FMD, immediately use disinfectants such as Five-BGF at a ratio of 1:150 or Perkon 3s at a ratio of 1:200 to spray the entire breeding area and grazing fields every two days.
                  
                                                                                  Image 2. Regular Sanitation of Livestock Housing
Step 3: Care and Treatment
For sick animals, apply technical treatment solutions for local wound care and systemic treatment to prevent secondary infections.
- Local Treatment of Open Wounds and Sores
Use acidic products like lemon juice, starfruit juice, or alum solution. Squeeze and apply thoroughly to pustules and sores on the mouth mucosa, hoof edges, and between hooves. Let it dry, then spray with Five-CTC Spray to prevent infection, keep wounds dry, and avoid flies and mosquitoes, promoting quick healing.
- Systemic Treatment
+ Antipyretics, anti-inflammatories: Use one of the following products: Five-Ketofen, Five-Gluco.K.C.namic, Five-Flunixin, Five-Chymosin, Five-MetaMax.50
+ Strength and heart support: Use Five-Cafein, Five-Butasal.
+ Antibiotics for infection prevention: Five-Cefquin 25, Five-Amox@.LA, Five-Cefquin, Five-Cefquin 25, Five-Genamox, ...
                 
                                                                  Image 3. Products  Specialized Treatment for Secondary Infections of FMD
Step 4: Boost Immunity
               
                                                                                     Image 4. Products supportive treatment
Supplement vitamins, minerals, and enzymes to stimulate digestion and enhance immunity for livestock, such as Beta-Glucan.C, Five-Mix, Five-Enzym, combined with electrolyte and detoxifying supplements to improve treatment effectiveness, such as Five-Orgamin, Five-Bogama.