Intergovernmental Veterinary Health - Radio Q&A Scripts

Intergovernmental Veterinary Health - Radio Q&A Scripts

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Host:
We’re here today with [INSERT VETERINARIAN OR MSD AH REPRESENTATIVE] to talk about diseases in animals. Tell us, why should we worry about diseases in animals?

Veterinarian:

We need animals for food and milk. Some of us may use animals for work. Animals can also spread diseases to us sometimes. So when animals are sick it can have a big impact on us.

Host:

That’s a good point. What diseases in animals do you think we should know about?

Veterinarian:

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cows, pigs, sheep and goats.[i] It is a very serious disease.

Host:

Why is it so bad?

Veterinarian:

Foot-and-mouth disease spreads very quickly. If one animal has the disease, it can quickly spread to other animals in the area. It spreads faster than any other disease affecting animals.[ii]

Host:

So what happens if an animal gets foot-and-mouth disease? Will they die?

Veterinarian:

Adult animals rarely die from foot-and-mouth disease.i But it can still have a terrible impact on you.Animals with foot-and-mouth disease put on less meat and don’t make as much milk.i

It also weakens animals and makes it hard for them to work.i So they won’t be able to help you in the field or pull any weight.Younger animals may die from foot-and-mouth disease.[iii] It can also make it harder for older animals to reproduce.iii

Host:

If you have cows, pigs, goats or sheep, how will you know if they have foot-and-mouth disease?

Veterinarian:

The main sign is sores that you’ll see on the tongue, nose, lips, udders and hooves. There are some other signs. Does the animal not want to move? Does it not want to eat? Is it making less milk than normal? Does it have a lot of saliva? These are all signs of foot-and-mouth disease.

Host:

If you see signs of foot-and-mouth disease, what should you do?

Veterinarian:

If you see signs of foot-and-mouth disease, you need to call [INSERT LOCAL AGENCY] as soon as possible. This disease spreads fast. If you call [INSERT LOCAL AGENCY], they can help protect more animals.

Host:

What will [INSERT LOCAL AGENCY] do to help?

Veterinarian:

They may give your animals a vaccine. They can also tell you about a few things you can do to keep the disease from spreading.

Host:

What can you do to keep the disease from spreading?

Veterinarian:

You need to clean any areas where animals are staying.i An animal with the disease can leave it behind in hay, feed or water.i Other animals can get the disease if they are in the same area.If you bring in new animals, keep them separate from others until you’re sure they don’t have foot-and-mouth disease.iBe careful about what you feed your animals. If they are eating food from other animals that have the disease, they can get it too.iFinally, be aware that you can spread the disease too. If you are around an animal with foot-and-mouth disease, the disease can be left behind on your clothes or any tools you have.i

Host:

What can you do to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place?

Veterinarian:

The steps I just listed can also help you prevent the disease. Clean areas where animals stay. Keep animals separate until you know they do not have foot-and-mouth disease. Be aware that the disease can be left behind in food, bedding and even on your clothes.i

Host:

Thanks. Is that all?

Veterinarian:

One more thing. On [INSERT DATE]. [INSERT AGENCY] will be giving animals vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease at [INSERT LOCATION]. All cows, pigs, goats and sheep are required to receive the vaccine. For more information, call [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] or visit [INSERT WEBSITE]. The vaccines will be provided by MSD Animal Health.

Host:

That’s great advice. If you want more information on the vaccination, I’ll repeat the number and website. Call [INSERT PHONE NUMBER] or visit [INSERT WEBSITE].

References

[i]World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Foot & Mouth Disease disease card. Accessed

[ii]World Organisation for Animal Health. OIE Terrestrial Manual 2012. Accessed

[iii]World Organisation for Animal Health. The Impact of Foot and Mouth Disease. Accessed