Remedies for Hoof & Mouth Disease

Hoof and mouth disease occurs in livestock---sheep, cattle, and pigs primarily---and not in humans. A disease often confused with hoof and mouth disease is called Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) and is very common among children and babies. Although they sound similar and have similar symptoms, these two diseases are caused by two completely different viruses and have separate remedies.

Hoof and Mouth Disease

• Though similar to the human Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in nature, Hoof and Mouth disease is confined to livestock---cows, sheep, pigs, and goats. These two diseases are caused by two entirely different pathogens and cannot be transmitted between species. Hoof and Mouth disease appears as blisters in the mouths and on the hooves of livestock. Though it has appeared all over the world at one time or another, it has been largely eradicated from North America, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand. An outbreak of Hoof and Mouth Disease can cause substantial financial losses to dairy farmers and ranchers.

Hoof and Mouth Disease Remedies

• There is no known cure for Hoof and Mouth disease. When livestock becomes infected or exposed, the usual practice is to kill infected animals and either burn or bury their carcasses. Remedies are somewhat trial-and-error. Disinfection of the stalls, paddocks, milking machinery, and other contaminated surfaces is mandatory. Once this is done, uninfected but vulnerable animals are introduced back into the environment to gauge whether the virus is still present. If infection occurs, the entire process must be carried out again. Vaccinations are used in some countries, but the benefits are uncertain.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

• The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases reports that Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), sometimes confused with the livestock Hoof and Mouth disease, occurs most commonly in children aged 10 or under. HFMD spreads by contact with bodily fluids from infected people, such as saliva, nasal mucous, blister ooze, and stool. Symptoms include fever, blisters inside the mouth, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. These blisters begin as small red dots, either raised or flat, and can turn into painful skin ulcers. This rash does not itch, however. The virus can stay in the body for up to three weeks, and even though symptoms may go away, the person can still be contagious.

HFMD Remedies

• HFMD has no specific course of treatment, nor is there any vaccination to prevent it. This is one of those illnesses that must "run its course". There are, however, ways to lower the risk of contracting HFMD.

  Young children are at greater risk for two reasons: They have not yet built up antibodies to the virus that causes HFMD and they are not as hygienic as most adults.

  Make sure your children wash their hands after using the toilet and before they put their hands near their mouth, nose or eyes.

  Clean all potentially infected items, including bedding, toys, and clothing. A mixture of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach and four cups of water can be used for disinfecting contact surfaces.

  Discourage sharing eating utensils, cups, and food, and close body contact, such as hugging and kissing.

  Treat the symptoms of HFMD as you would any virus. Provide plenty of liquids so the infected person does not become dehydrated, give medication that lowers fever, and treat for pain with ibuprofen or acetaminophen.