Putting its Hoof in its Mouth: FMD in Europe

You know those times you’ve said something you regret and you’re lying in bed several years later, still thinking about the scenario that made you put your foot in your mouth? A handful of countries in Europe are staring at the ceiling in disbelief with their first cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in decades.

It wasn’t what you said, it was what you did: This bout of FMD started in Germany, with its first case in 30 years (found in water buffalo). Then Hungary detected it in cattle, then Slovakia did the same. That’s too fast for comfort, so the U.S. is on alert and watching closely. And there’s definitely no case of FOMO here: the U.S. hasn’t had a case of FMD since 1929.

Gossip Girl, but make it livestock: FMD is like that cringey thing you wish you hadn’t said. Once one person hears it, the whole crowd catches the cringe. And once one animal is infected with FMD, the whole herd is at risk. Since FMD causes lesions or blisters in the mouth, nose, or hoof, it can look like other diseases. Although FMD doesn’t pose a risk to humans, it’s sure a snake in the grass for several species of livestock.

On a more serious note about this outbreak: Sadly, thousands of cattle in Hungary and Slovakia are being slaughtered and buried to prevent spreading the disease. However, there’s been pushback from locals over concerns about groundwater contamination. Truly, a heartbreaking situation for those cattle producers.

Biosecurity blanket: U.S. livestock operations are encouraged to be cognizant of employees’ travel—making sure individuals don’t visit infected operations, then return to their U.S. base.