There are seven immunologically distinct serotypes of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus and over 60 subtypes. The seven serotypes are A, C, O, Asia 1, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3. New subtypes occasionally develop spontaneously. The large number of virus types and subtypes creates challenges for the maintenance of vaccine stockpiles that can be deployed in the event of an outbreak.
Strains of FMD serotype O are of most concern for disease spread into new areas. FMD serotype …
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) can be transmitted in a variety of ways, the most common being direct contact with an infected animal. Once infected, animals become “virus factories,” capable of spreading high numbers of viral particles to other animals and into the environment. Infected swine, in particular, can release millions of viral particles when they exhale. The airborne virus can then be breathed in by nearby susceptible animals. Persons who have been around infected animals also are capable of carrying the …
