Foot and mouth disease
What is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)?
- FMD is a highly contagious viral infection of domestic and wild animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, camelids and deer. Horses are not affected. Signs of FMD can vary however, common signs include blisters and ulcers in mouth, feet and teats.
- Feeding animals, such as pigs, contaminated materials is the most likely means by which FMD may infect the animal population. Prohibited pig feed (e.g. meat, eggs, blood, faeces) must not be fed to pigs as it can introduce foot-and-mouth disease and other emergency animal disease.
What risk does Foot and Mouth Disease present to our region?
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is not currently present in Australia. An FMD outbreak would have severe consequences for Australia and even an isolated, rapidly controlled outbreak could cost several billion dollars to eradicate.
How do I report Foot and Mouth Disease?
- Under Queensland legislation, if you suspect the presence of this disease in any species of animal, you must report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or contact the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
