foot-and-mouth disease, an acute extremely contagious rhabdovirus, specifically vesicular stomatitis virus, infection, primarily of cloven-hooved animals. It is characterized by the development of ulcers on the skin around the mouth, on the mucous membrane in the mouth, and on the udders. Horses are immune. The virus is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or their secretions or with contaminated milk, although this is rare. It should not be confused with hand-foot-and-mouth disease, which is caused by a different virus (coxsackie A). Symptoms and signs in humans include headache, fever, malaise, and vesicles on the tongue, oral mucous membranes, hands, and feet. Generalized pruritus and painful ulcerations may occur; however, the temperature soon falls, the lesions subside in about a week, and total healing without scars is complete by 2 or 3 weeks. Treatment is symptomatic. Also called aphthous fever. See also picornavirus.
