Foot and Mouth Disease in Dogs

Overview of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Dogs

Fearing an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United States, the Agriculture Department has previously banned certain meat imports from affected regions. While the disease is highly destructive to cloven-hoof animals and livestock, it poses no direct threat to common household pets, including dogs and cats, or to people.

Because of the serious economic impact on agriculture, even the risk of spreading the disease has led to the cancellation of major events. For example, the prestigious Crufts Dog Show (Great Britain’s largest dog show) has been canceled in the past as a precautionary measure during European outbreaks.

Organizers of Crufts noted in press releases that such drastic steps were necessary to prevent possible transmission. Other large gatherings in Britain and the Republic of Ireland, which have reported outbreaks, have also faced cancellation, including Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day festivals. The disease has spread to parts of continental Europe at various times, putting livestock industries at significant risk.

What Animals Are Affected by Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot-and-mouth disease (also called hoof-and-mouth disease) affects animals such as cattle, swine, sheep, goats, deer, reindeer, and llamas. It does not pose a risk to horses, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

First identified in 1897, the disease causes painful blisters on the mucous membranes of the mouth and on the feet. Infected animals may develop fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. As a result, an infected animal may suddenly become lame and salivate excessively. In dairy cattle, milk production may drop sharply.

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most contagious viral diseases affecting animals. A herd can spread the virus simply through breathing. Under the right environmental conditions, the virus can become airborne and travel long distances.

Movement of infected animals is the most common method of transmission, but contaminated equipment, clothing, feed, products, and vehicles can also spread the disease. Although pets and people are not at risk of becoming ill from the virus, they can act as mechanical carriers if they come into contact with contaminated materials.

Can Dogs Get Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

No, dogs cannot get hand, foot, and mouth disease. Foot-and-mouth disease in livestock is completely different from hand, foot, and mouth disease in humans.

Many pet owners also ask, can dogs get hand mouth and foot disease from children? Again, the answer is no. Hand, foot, and mouth disease in people is caused by entirely different viruses (usually enteroviruses such as coxsackievirus) and does not infect dogs. Despite the similarity in names, these conditions are unrelated.

Infected livestock typically have about a 5% mortality rate, though particularly virulent strains have caused mortality rates as high as 50% in some outbreaks. While vaccines exist in some parts of the world, they offer only temporary protection and require repeated administration. In many regions, large-scale vaccination is not considered cost-effective. As a result, strict quarantine, movement restrictions, and humane slaughter of infected and exposed livestock remain the most effective control methods.

Are Outbreaks Common?

The disease has had periodic outbreaks worldwide since it was first identified. The United States has experienced nine recorded outbreaks, with the most serious occurring in 1914. The last major U.S. outbreak occurred in 1929. An outbreak in 1967–1968 forced Great Britain to slaughter more than 470,000 animals, demonstrating the devastating economic and agricultural impact this virus can have.

For dog owners, however, the takeaway is reassuring, while biosecurity measures during outbreaks are critical for livestock industries, dogs are not susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease or to human hand, foot, and mouth disease.