26/07/2026
🐄 TYPES OF DRUGS USED FOR LIVESTOCK FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) SUPPORTIVE CARE
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious viral diseases affecting cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed animals. It causes fever, painful blisters in the mouth, on the tongue, gums, teats, and around the hooves, resulting in excessive salivation, lameness, loss of appetite, reduced milk production, weight loss, and poor productivity.
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⚠️ Remember: FMD is caused by a virus, so there is no drug that cures the virus itself. Treatment is aimed at supporting the animal until its immune system clears the infection while preventing secondary bacterial infections and reducing pain and suffering.
1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
These are the cornerstone of supportive care because they reduce fever, pain, and inflammation.
Common examples include:
• Flunixin meglumine
• Meloxicam
• Ketoprofen
• Tolfenamic acid
Benefits:
✅ Reduces fever.
✅ Relieves severe pain from mouth and foot ulcers.
✅ Improves appetite.
✅ Helps animals walk more comfortably.
✅ Promotes faster recovery by reducing stress.
2. Antibiotics (Only for Secondary Bacterial Infections)
Antibiotics do not kill the FMD virus. They are used only to treat or prevent bacterial infections that develop through open wounds.
Common examples include:
• Oxytetracycline (Long-Acting)
• Penicillin-Streptomycin
• Amoxicillin
• Ceftiofur
• Sulfonamide-Trimethoprim combinations
Benefits:
✅ Prevents infected mouth ulcers.
✅ Reduces foot infections.
✅ Helps control mastitis caused by damaged teats.
✅ Prevents pneumonia and other bacterial complications.
3. Oral Antiseptics
Painful mouth ulcers make animals reluctant to eat or drink. Gentle antiseptics help keep wounds clean and reduce bacterial contamination.
Examples:
• Diluted Povidone-Iodine
• Chlorhexidine solution
• Dilute Potassium Permanganate (where recommended)
Benefits:
✅ Keeps ulcers clean.