Foot and Mouth Disease has become an issue of common awareness, seeping through every aspect of the media into every common household. Although the terminology itself is becoming a familiar phrase, the ramifications of this destructive disease are neither being presented nor explained to the general public. A mere glance of interest towards this agriculturally injurious epidemic reveals many layers of concern that not only affect those individuals and businesses that maintain a close and direct relationship with the realm of the disease, but that also have broader global effects. To completely understand the detrimental possibilities of Foot and Mouth Disease on various economic states one must consider its consequences on the demand and supply of products affected, the industries that are and possibly will be affected, international trade and the various side effects that will ripple through the economy on a global level. Naturally a study of such topics will primarily fo!.
cus on Australia and the effect Foot and Mouth Disease is having on its economy.
A basic understanding of Foot and Mouth Disease is necessary in order to comprehend its economic implications. Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domesticated and wild cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer and camelids. The disease requires only a very small dosage for infection and has quite a small incubation period. Infection can occur through oral and respiratory contact or through contact with membranes and damaged skin. The disease can also travel long distances by airborne dispersal. Infected animals become depressed and lame, going off their feed, and while deathrates are usually low, the enormous damage inflicted by the disease is due to its effect on production levels. Infected animals experience weight loss, a reduction in meat and milk quality and pregnant animals may even abort due to the disease.
