Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

- Transmission and Pathogenesis

·  FMDV spreads through direct contact with infected animals and indirect contact via contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, and feed. Aerosol transmission is also significant, particularly among pigs, which excrete large quantities of virus into the environment. The virus enters the body through the respiratory tract, oral mucosa, or skin abrasions.

·  Following entry, the virus replicates in the pharynx and spreads to regional lymph nodes before entering the bloodstream (viremia). This leads to widespread dissemination and the development of characteristic vesicular lesions in the mouth, on the feet, teats, and snout. Infected animals excrete virus in saliva, milk, feces, and semen, often days before clinical signs appear.