Executive Summary & Operational Context
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an ultra-contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals caused by Aphthovirus (Serotypes O, A, Asia-1). While adult mortality is low, the catastrophic destruction of production—causing permanent 50% milk loss, abortion, panting, and chronic lameness—makes biannual national vaccination mandatory.
Free biannual ear-tagged vaccination under the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) creates herd immunity and protects against catastrophic farm wipeout.
Pathognomonic Symptoms of FMD
FMD spreads rapidly through aerosols and direct contact. Symptoms include: 1. Intense salivation with long ropy stringy froth hanging from the mouth ("frothing / smacking lips"); 2. Fluid-filled vesicles (blisters) that rupture into raw, painful ulcers on the tongue, dental pad, and gums; 3. Interdigital coronary band ulcers causing severe lameness, kicking of feet, and hoof sloughing; 4. Sudden acute death in young calves under 6 months due to viral myocarditis ("Tiger Heart") before external blisters appear.
Outbreak Management & Lesion Care Protocol
There is no specific antiviral medicine. Symptomatic palliative care saves hooves and lives: 1. Mouth Hygiene: Wash mouth 3 times daily with a mild antiseptic: 1:1,000 Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4 - light pink solution) or 2% Alum (phitkari) or Sodium Bicarbonate solution; 2. Foot Baths: Walk affected animals through a 4% copper sulfate or 2% sodium carbonate foot bath; 3. Soft Nutrition: Provide soft, easily swallowed gruel (boiled rice, crushed maize daliya, ragi porridge with jaggery) since oral ulcers prevent chewing coarse straw; 4. Antibiotics: Inject Long-Acting Ceftiofur or Oxytetracycline to prevent secondary bacterial hoof necrosis and joint infections.
How to Implement on Your Dairy Farm
Adhere to Biannual NADCP Vaccination
Ensure every cow and buffalo receives the free government trivalent oil-adjuvant FMD vaccine every 6 months without exception.
Wash Mouth with Pink Permanganate Water
Dissolve a pinch of KMnO4 in a bucket until light pink. Gently irrigate oral sores twice daily.
Quarantine New Animal Purchases for 21 Days
Never mix newly purchased livestock into the main milking shed without a strict 3-week observation period.
Recommended Breeds for this System
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD / Khurpakka-Munhpakka): Vaccination Timing & Outbreak Protocol
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