If 30% of pens with cattle previously on feed for over 100 days are febrile, depressed, and have oral lesions, it could be FMD.

If 30% of pens with cattle previously on feed for over 100 days are febrile, depressed, and have oral lesions, it could be FMD.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Maybe
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

FMD often starts with fever and systemic illness, and animals develop vesicular lesions in the mouth, muzzle, and sometimes on the feet. In cattle, fever and depression can be early and common signs, with oral lesions appearing as the disease progresses. Seeing a sizable portion of pens—such as 30%—with febrile, depressed cattle that also have oral lesions corresponds to a presentation compatible with a vesicular disease like FMD. While these signs aren’t proof on their own, they are a strong red flag that should prompt immediate diagnostic testing (virus isolation or RT-PCR from vesicular fluid or oral swabs) and quarantine because FMD is highly contagious and has serious consequences. So, the statement is true: this scenario could indicate FMD and warrants urgent investigation.

FMD often starts with fever and systemic illness, and animals develop vesicular lesions in the mouth, muzzle, and sometimes on the feet. In cattle, fever and depression can be early and common signs, with oral lesions appearing as the disease progresses. Seeing a sizable portion of pens—such as 30%—with febrile, depressed cattle that also have oral lesions corresponds to a presentation compatible with a vesicular disease like FMD. While these signs aren’t proof on their own, they are a strong red flag that should prompt immediate diagnostic testing (virus isolation or RT-PCR from vesicular fluid or oral swabs) and quarantine because FMD is highly contagious and has serious consequences. So, the statement is true: this scenario could indicate FMD and warrants urgent investigation.