Foot and mouth disease outbreaks have been reported. Here are the symptoms and ways to prevent them.

Recently, the agricultural industry has been shocked by the news of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) that has affected hundreds of cattle in East Java. The first case was reported on April 28, 2022, in Gresik. At that time, the diseases were detected in 22 villages and 5 sub-districts.

What is Foot and mouth disease (FMD)?

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an acute disease caused by a type A virus from the Picornaviridae family, Aphthovirus genus. The incubation period for this virus is 2–14 days. This disease affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. This type of disease can spread very quickly in a flock of cages. Therefore, infected animals must be isolated. The transmission can be through the air, food, or direct contact with infected animals.

The characteristics of the infected are: 

• High fever up to 41 degrees Celsius
• Decreased appetite, leading to reduced weight in animals.
• The condition of the body is weak and lethargic, and the hair looks dull. It's hard to stand, limp.
• Rubbing lips, grinding teeth, blisters, or round bumps filled with saliva in the oral cavity, upper tongue, and lips.

Is it contagious to humans?

According to the Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, FMD are rarely transmitted to humans.

"We have discussed with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Animal Health Agency (OIE) that FMD is in the domain of animals," said Budi. "Hence FMD is not considered a risk to public health as infection from animals to humans is extremely rare," he added.

In addition to the Minister of Health, Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo also emphasized that the disease, which is currently endemic in 2 districts in Aceh and 4 districts in East Java, is not contagious to humans.

Back To List