Foot and Mouth Disease – Don’t Be a Richard

January 15, 2025, 7:00 PM MT 

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a biosecurity concern with major economic impacts for Canadian beef production. What is the risk to producers and farmers in Canada, and what can they do to minimize this risk? This webinar is geared towards producers to discuss the who, what, where and why of FMD and how it can directly impact beef cattle operations.  

This webinar is available for one CE credit for RVTs and DVMs across Canada. After watching the entire webinar recording, you may take the quiz to receive a CE credit.

Speakers:

  • Karin Schmid, beef production and extension lead for the Alberta Beef Producers
  • Dr. Leigh Rosengren, DVM, chief veterinary officer for the Canadian Cattle Association, and industry co-chair for Animal Health Canada

Key Messages:

  • FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, bison, cervids, etc.) and shedding of the virus varies by species.
  • Transmission of FMD can be airborne, direct contact, mechanical transmission or ingestion of infected materials.
  • Common symptoms include lesions, blisters, fever, decreased growth, milk production and feed intake, abortions, drooling and lameness.
  • FMD is a reportable disease and must be reported to CFIA immediately.
  • Response to a suspected FMD case involves multiple steps:
    • Suspicion – voluntary movement control of suspected animals
    • Confirmation – movement controls at 3 and 10 kms around the infected premise
    • Tracing – tracking of all movements in the past 28 days
    • Control, eradication and surveillance
    • Recovery – financial and mental wellness supports
  • The largest risks for FMD entry into Canada include international travel, temporary foreign workers and illegally imported meat/by-products
  • Biosecurity: all procedures implemented to reduce the risk of infection with disease causing agents
  • Risk = Probability (bioexclusion – keep it out) x Consequence (biocontainment – keep it from spreading)
  • Pillars of biosecurity include:
    • Animal health
    • Animal movements
    • People, vehicles, equipment and tools
    • Education, planning and recording

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