Camelidae and Cervidae Foot and Mouth Disease Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including members of the Camelidae (llamas, alpacas, dromedaries, and Bactrian camels) and Cervidae (deer species) families. Understanding FMD susceptibility in these species is crucial for veterinarians, as these animals may serve as reservoir hosts or experience subclinical infections that can complicate disease control efforts.

FMD represents one of the most economically devastating transboundary animal diseases globally, with significant implications for international trade and livestock movement. While camelids and cervids generally show different susceptibility patterns compared to traditional livestock, their role in FMD epidemiology remains clinically relevant for the NAVLE examination.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Causative Agent

Foot and Mouth Disease virus (FMDV) belongs to the genus Aphthovirus within the family Picornaviridae. The virus is a small (25-30 nm), non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid containing a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome of approximately 8.3 kb.