FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

25 Sep 2023 FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the Topic details “”. This Topic has relevance in the Science and Technology section of the UPSC CSE exam.

Why in the news:

The Chandigarh administration has recently administered vaccinations to more than 21,000 livestock animals as a preventive measure against foot and mouth disease (FMD).

• Nature of Disease:
  • FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
  • It is classified as a transboundary animal disease (TAD) and has significant impacts on livestock production while disrupting regional and international animal and animal product trade.
• Human Involvement:
  • FMD is strictly a disease of animals and does not affect humans. It should not be confused with hand, foot, and mouth disease, which is common in young children.
• Causative Agent:
  • The disease is caused by the foot-and-mouth disease virus, a member of the Picornaviridae family.
• Transmission:
  • The primary mode of transmission is direct contact between infected animals.
  • It can also spread through contaminated feed, equipment, vehicles, clothing, and the movement of infected animals.
  • Rare cases of human transmission can occur, leading to mild, self-limiting symptoms similar to other viral illnesses.
• Symptoms in Animals:
  • Common symptoms in affected animals include fever, blister-like sores on the tongue, lips, and inside the mouth, as well as on the hooves (which gives the disease its name).
  • Other signs include excessive salivation, lameness, and reduced milk or meat production.
• Treatment and Control:
  • Vaccination is a prevalent method for managing FMD in regions where the disease is endemic or where there is a high risk of outbreaks.
  • While vaccinated animals can still contract the virus, the severity of the disease is reduced in these cases.

Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/chandigarh-admn-vaccinates-over-21k-livestock-against-foot-and-mouth-disease-101695342602958.html

Q.1 Consider the following statements regarding foot and mouth disease (FMD):

1. FMD primarily affects humans and is often severe, leading to fatalities.
2. It is caused by a bacterium belonging to the Picornaviridae family.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: D

Q.2 Consider the following statements regarding foot and mouth disease (FMD):

1. Vaccinated animals are completely immune to the virus, preventing its transmission.
2. FMD is a transboundary animal disease that primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals and disrupts international trade in animal products.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: B

rishabh