Foot and mouth disease - disease monograph series - 18

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is the most contagious disease of mammals and causes severe economic losses in susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. Although a disease of low mortality, the global impact of FMD is colossal due to the huge numbers of animals affected. Estimates of 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. The decision to use vaccination is complex, and varies with the scientific, economic, political and societal factors specific to the outbreak. The paper presents detailed information on the incidence, prevalence and etiology of the disease, as well as current vaccination strategies.Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationGlobal Affairs Canad