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Updated: May 2, 2026
High-throughput Fluorometric Measurement of Potential Soil Extracellular Enzyme Activities
Published on: November 15, 2013
[Not Available]
1Umweltbundesamt, Berlin, DE.
Abstract:
Probably some arthropods (especially flies in stables like Musca domestica and Stomoxys calcitrans) are able to transmit the foot- and mouth disease (FMD)-virus. However, the results of the few experiments and studies found in the international literature do not clearly confirm or disprove the assumption that certain species of arthropods can be vectors for the FMD-virus. Nevertheless, under specific conditions mosquitoes of the family Culicidae and cockroaches of the families Blattidae and Blattellidae have been found to have some - usually low - importance for virus spread. Normally, FMD-virus transmission occurs via air, feces, urine, milk, saliva, conjunctival and nasal secretion, sperm and desquamated epithelia. It may be influenced by more than 20 Co-factors (e.g. biological or chemical factors and/or behavioural patterns). Compared to the usual route of transmission, transfer of the virus by arthropods is a rare event. Nevertheless, in contaminated stables pest control operations directed against arthropods are necessary preventive measures.
Insights
Arthropods like flies may transmit foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus, though evidence is limited. Pest control in stables is crucial for preventing FMD virus spread, even if arthropod transmission is rare.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Medical Entomology
- Disease Ecology
Context:
- Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals.
- Understanding FMD virus transmission routes is critical for effective disease control and prevention strategies.
- The role of arthropods as potential vectors for FMD virus has been debated in scientific literature.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential role of arthropods as vectors for the foot-and-mouth disease virus.
- To evaluate the significance of arthropod-borne transmission in the overall epidemiology of FMD.
- To assess the necessity of arthropod control measures in FMD prevention.
Summary:
- While direct evidence is limited, certain arthropods, including flies (Musca domestica, Stomoxys calcitrans), mosquitoes (Culicidae), and cockroaches (Blattidae, Blattellidae), may play a role in FMD virus transmission.
- Arthropod-borne transmission is considered a rare event compared to established routes like airborne spread or direct contact.
- FMD virus primarily spreads through respiratory secretions, saliva, feces, urine, milk, and epithelial tissues.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the importance of integrated pest management in animal husbandry settings, particularly in FMD-affected regions.
- Highlights the need for continued research to definitively ascertain the vector competence of various arthropod species for FMD virus.
- Emphasizes that arthropod control is a necessary preventive measure in contaminated environments to mitigate FMD virus spread.
