How is Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) tested?

The testing for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) primarily involves analyzing vesicular fluids, which are the fluid-filled blisters that typically appear on infected animals. This choice is correct because the presence of the virus can be directly identified in these fluids using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR), a sensitive and specific method that can detect the viral RNA.

Testing vesicular fluids is critical for diagnosing FMD because the virus is present in high quantities in these lesions shortly after infection, allowing for early detection and response to potential outbreaks. This method provides reliable results that are essential for effective disease management and control strategies.

In contrast, testing blood samples for RT PCR can sometimes yield false negatives, especially in early stages when the viral load is low. Serological testing may indicate exposure to the virus but does not confirm active infection as it measures antibody levels rather than the presence of the virus itself. External swabs can be informative in certain contexts but are not as commonly utilized for definitive FMD diagnosis compared to vesicular fluid analysis. Therefore, the chosen method of RT PCR on vesicular fluids remains the most effective for confirming an active FMD infection.