What type of lesions are typically seen in animals affected by foot and mouth disease?

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is characterized by the presence of vesicular lesions, which are fluid-filled blisters that form on the skin and mucous membranes of infected animals. These lesions are a hallmark of the disease and are most prominently seen on the oral cavity, between the toes, and on the teats in affected species, particularly in cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs.

The appearance of vesicular lesions is significant because they can lead to pain and discomfort in the animals, affecting their ability to eat, drink, and move. The fluid in these vesicles tends to be highly contagious, which plays a critical role in the transmission of the disease within and between livestock populations.

Understanding the specific type of lesions associated with FMD is important for diagnosis and management strategies, as the presence of vesicular lesions can lead to quick identification and subsequent control measures to prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.