After the World Organization for Animal Health confirmed an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle in Hungary on March 6, Barry Whitworth, Oklahoma state Extension veterinarian, wrote a paper on the disease for the Cow-Calf Corner. An edited version follows.
A BIT OF CONTEXT
The last reported FMD case in Hungary occurred on Dec. 31, 1973, and this latest case follows a case in Germany on Jan. 10, 2025. Germany had not had a case in 40 years.
The US has not experienced a case since 1929, but the Hungary and Germany experiences are a reminder that FMD is still a threat.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of all, and only, cloven-hoofed animals. The disease is not a public health threat. It spreads easily and causes severe economic hardship.
FMD is caused by the Foot and Mouth Disease Virus, of which there are seven known serotypes, making vaccine development difficult since immunity to one serotype does not protect against others.
FMDV can be found in all fluids excreted from infected animals, including water vapor in the breath. It can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion and direct contact with infected animals. The virus also can be spread by contaminated objects and feed.
CLIMICAL SIGNS
Clinical signs of the disease can vary between species. The most common are large and small blisters on the tongue, gums, teats and the interdigital space of the hooves. Other typical symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, excessive drooling or salivation, lameness and decreased milk production. In severe cases, particularly in young animals, FMD can cause heart inflammation, leading to sudden death.
Most adult animals recover in two to three weeks, although some never return to full production or have permanent issues like hoof malformation, chronic lameness, chronic mastitis and weight loss.
FMD is difficult to control. Most US animals are very susceptible, and the disease could spread rapidly unless detected early and eliminated.
The USDA has worked hard at keeping FMD out of the US. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service continues to work with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection at screening cargo at the border. The US restricts importation of animals and animal products from affected areas, and APHIS deploys veterinarians worldwide to assist other countries in their efforts to control and eradicate the disease.
If a US case were to occur, livestock producers probably will be the first to see it. For this reason, livestock producers should be familiar with the symptoms and any suspicious signs should be reported to their veterinarian and maintain a good biosecurity plan.
CATTLE, BEEF RECAP
The USDA reported formula and contract base prices for live FOB steers and heifers this week ranged from $199.50 per cwt to $206.83, compared with last week’s range of $197.87 to $202.79 per cwt. FOB dressed steers, and heifers went for $311.12 per cwt to $322.73, compared with $310.41 to $321.60.
The USDA choice cutout Thursday was down $1.55 per cwt at $328.06 while select was up $0.68 at $309.36. The choice/select spread narrowed to $18.70 from $20.93 with 96 loads of fabricated product and 25 loads of trimmings and grinds sold into the spot market.
The USDA-listed the weighted average wholesale price for fresh 90% lean beef was $381.67 per cwt, and 50% beef was $130.46.
The USDA said basis bids for corn from feeders in the Southern Plains were unchanged at $1.20 to $1.32 a bushel over the May corn contract, which settled at $4.69, up $0.07.
The CME Feeder Cattle Index for the seven days ended Monday was $285.94per cwt, up $1.29. This compares with Thursday’s Mar contract settlement of $288.35, up $1.52.