Epidemiology and Transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease among Small Ruminants – A Review

  • Abdul Kabir Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan
  • Asghar Ali Kamboh Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, Pakistan
  • Midrar Ullah Livestock and Dairy Development Department Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  • Muhammad Owais Iqbal College of veterinary sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar
  • Zuhaib Akhtar College of veterinary sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar
  • Irfan Haider College of veterinary sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar
  • Naveed Khan College of veterinary sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including small ruminants such as sheep and goats. FMD causes severe economic losses due to reduced productivity, trade restrictions, and control measures. The epidemiology and transmission of FMD among small ruminants are influenced by various factors, such as the virus strain, the host species, the environmental conditions, and the animal management practices. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the epidemiology and transmission of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among small ruminants. It also examines the global distribution and prevalence of FMD in small ruminants, the clinical signs and lesions of FMD in small ruminants, the role of small ruminants in the maintenance and spread of FMD, the transmission routes and risk factors of FMD in small ruminants, and the implications of FMD in small ruminants for disease control and eradication. The paper also identifies the knowledge gaps and research priorities for improving the understanding and management of FMD in small ruminants.

Published
2024-06-14