General Impact
FMDV rarely kills animals; however, affected animals do not normally regain lost flesh for many months. It causes abortions, deaths among young animals, and (in some animals) permanent adverse effects such as reduced milk yields, sterility, and lameness. FMDV very rarely affects humans, and the meat from infected animals can be eaten safely. Death from FMDV occurs most often in newborn animals (FIWG, 2003; and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 2002).In some countries wild populations of deer, swing, and other wildlife could become infected and remain as reservoirs of infection and require depopulation. Productivity losses of 10-20 percent are commonly reported with FMDV. Owners would have to cull herds, and Meat, milk, and other livestock products would not be allowed into the food chain. Premises would have to be cleaned and disinfected, and there would be a waiting period of at least 30 days before restocking could begin. There would be no production income during that period and only a reduced income while rebuilding herds. In an area seriously affected by an outbreak, it may be prohibitively difficult to purchase replacement stock, and prices would increase as supplies of replacement livestock were depleted(FIWG, 2003). Meat plants and dairy factories could be forced to close due to economic loss. There are many businesses that supply various farm products and services like fertilizers, fencing, and equipment, among others that would lose business and might potentially have to close. Any closures would result in an unknown number of unemployed. Certain restrictions on travel would have to be initiated. Countries that rely on tourists may face loses in the tourism industry due to negative publicity. Outbreak means governments must spend hundreds of millions of dollars compensating farmers and costs related to disease control (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 2002).
No Impact information recorded for Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)
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