FOOT & MOUTH AND LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, camelids (includes alpacas, llamas and camels) and buffalo. FMD does not affect horses, or companion animals such as dogs and cats.

Australia remains free of FMD.

FMD can spread through close contact between animals and be carried on animal products, contaminated clothing and vehicles or by the wind.

FMD is not the same as hand-foot-and-mouth disease which is a common disease in young children.

Anyone keeping or working with cattle, sheep, goats or pigs should be aware of the signs of FMD. If livestock exhibit any signs consistent with FMD, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888, NSW DPI or a Local Land Services District Veterinarian.

LUMPY SKIN DISEASE

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious viral disease that affects all breeds of cattle and water buffalo. It does not affect other types of livestock or humans.

LSD is primarily spread by biting insects. Insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies and possibly ticks mechanically transfer the virus. It can also be spread through direct contact between animals via secretions and excretions. Contaminated feed, water, vehicles and iatrogenic means (for example, repeated use of needles on different animals) can all spread the disease.

In addition, LSD may be shed in semen and may be present in milk of infected animals.

Lumpy skin disease is national notifiable disease which means an animal showing suspect signs of the disease must be reported to your veterinarian, a Local Land Services District Veterinarian (DV) on 1300 795 299 or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Bassingthwaighte Livestock Marketing Pty Ltd, PO Box 541 Cootamundra   T: 02 6943 2515   M: 0408 060 343 E: office@blpmarketing.com.au   
www.blpmarketing.com.au   ABN: 47601609214