Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, camelids (includes alpacas, llamas and camels) and buffalo. FMD does not affect horses, or companion animals such as dogs and cats. FMD is not the same as hand-foot-and-mouth disease which is a common disease in young children.
Australia is currently free of FMD, and an introduction would have a severe impact on Australia’s agricultural industry. Wildlife in the Riverina that could be affected by FMD are feral pigs, feral goats and feral deer.
Affected animals show blisters, ulcers or scabby lesions on the hooves and mouth/snout. The photos below show some examples of hoof and mouth/snout lesions (NSW Department of Primary Industries).
Any animals that are showing signs of possible FMD should be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
More information about FMD can be found here: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/beef-cattle/health-and-disease/viral-diseases/fmd