Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

The characteristic sign of foot and mouth disease is?

1. Vesicles and erosions

2. Neurologic disease

3. Respiratory disease

4. Reddening of the skin

The correct answer is: Vesicles and erosions

The characteristic sign of foot and mouth disease is indeed the presence of vesicles and erosions. This viral disease primarily affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. The disease is marked by the formation of painful blisters or vesicles that typically develop in areas such as the mouth, tongue, and between the toes. These lesions may rupture, leading to erosions that can cause significant pain and discomfort for the affected animals, ultimately impacting their ability to eat and move. This distinct clinical presentation is critical for early diagnosis and containment, as foot and mouth disease is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among livestock populations. Recognizing vesicles and erosions as hallmark signs can aid veterinarians and animal health officials in implementing control measures to prevent further transmission of the virus. Understanding these features helps differentiate foot and mouth disease from conditions that may exhibit other clinical signs, such as neurologic or respiratory diseases, which are not typical manifestations of this particular viral infection.