This paper estimates that annual impact of FMD in terms of visible production losses and vaccination in endemic regions alone amount to between US$6.5 and 21 billion. In addition, outbreaks in FMD free countries and zones cause losses of >US$1.5 billion a year.

What are the consequences of FMD?

An outbreak of FMD would have a major impact on susceptible animals, our primary industries and the economy because: it reduces agricultural productivity. it can be very painful for infected animals.

Does the US import beef from Argentina?

WITH BAN LIFTED, FRESH ARGENTINE BEEF IS HEADED FOR U.S. e the federal government lifted a 68-year ban against imports of Argentine beef, after deciding that country had eliminated foot-and-mouth disease from its cattle. The country is already allowed to export processed and frozen beef.

Why would we try to prevent diseases such as foot and mouth disease from entering the country?

FMD is important in international trade in animals and animal products, with countries that are free of the disease banning or restricting imports from affected countries. This means an outbreak would have serious economic implications for a major livestock-exporting country like Australia.

Where did hoof and mouth disease originate?

It originated from Michigan, but its entry into the stockyards in Chicago turned it into an epizootic. About 3,500 livestock herds were infected across the US, totaling over 170,000 cattle, sheep, and swine.

How does foot and mouth disease affect humans?

The incubation period in humans is 2-6 days. Symptoms have mostly been mild and self limiting, mainly uncomfortable tingling blisters on the hands but also fever, sore throat, and blisters on the feet and in the mouth, including the tongue. Patients have usually recovered a week after the last blister formation.

Where did foot and mouth disease come from?

Foot-and-mouth was discovered at an Essex abattoir on 19 February 2001 and it quickly spread across the UK. The highly infectious disease, which mainly affected cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, plunged the agricultural industry into its worst crisis for decades.