Hoof and Mouth disease is characterized by vesiculation, or blistering of the hooves and oral cavity. Cattle, swine, sheep, and goats are all susceptible. Seven immunologic types, over 60 subtypes and numerous strains have been identified.
The disease is enzootic in many areas of the world, including most of Asia, Africa, and South America. North and Central America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan are free of infection. It had been largely controlled by vaccination in Europe and the Scandinavian Countries. Until recently the United Kingdom was considered free of the disease. Mexico experienced an extensive outbreak between 1946 and 1953. In 1952, a small focus of infection was identified in the Saskatchewan Province, Canada, but eradication was prompt. The last outbreak of HMD in the United States was in 1929.
