Bovine Foreign Animal Diseases Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Foreign animal diseases (FADs) represent a critical category for NAVLE examination and veterinary practice. These diseases are not endemic to the United States and would have devastating economic, public health, and agricultural consequences if introduced. This study guide covers three historically significant FADs: Rinderpest (the first animal disease ever eradicated globally), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) (one of the most economically important animal diseases worldwide), and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (a prion disease with significant zoonotic implications).

Understanding these diseases is essential because veterinarians are legally required to report suspected FADs immediately to state and federal authorities. Recognition of clinical signs, understanding of transmission, and knowledge of regulatory reporting requirements are all testable content on the NAVLE.

Section 1: Rinderpest (Cattle Plague)

Rinderpest was a highly contagious viral disease of cattle and other even-toed ungulates. In 2011, it became the first animal disease to be officially declared eradicated globally, following smallpox in 1980. The last confirmed case was in 2001. Despite eradication, veterinarians must still recognize this disease because laboratory samples exist, and there is concern about potential bioterrorism or accidental release.