Nanoparticles as an Alternative Strategy to Control Foot and Mouth Disease Virus in Bovines

Livestock, mainly the bovines, plays an important role in rural livelihood and economies of different countries globally because they are a potent source of employment and income for workers and producers. Several viruses causing numerous deadly diseases have affected bovines over the years. Foot and mouth disease caused by the lethal foot and mouth disease virus is a contagious disease and has been known for hundreds of years, causing massive destruction in bovines, resulting in huge economic losses. To control foot and mouth disease virus, various strategies including antivirals, vaccines, movement control, biosecurity measures, and culling of infected animals have been employed, but these methods alone are not sufficient to fully contain the disease. Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary field and nanoparticles have demonstrated superior performance as compared to other strategies highlighting their potential as an effective approach. They have proven beneficial against various viral diseases and are synthesized in various ways like physical, chemical, and biological methods. Nanoparticles have been successful in inhibiting the replication of the foot and mouth disease virus. Silver, gold, zinc, iron, copper, calcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, and ferritin nanoparticles having pharmacological and therapeutic actions have been used efficiently. This article focuses on the use of the various nanoparticles as a control strategy and also their use as nanocarriers to aid in vaccine delivery and enhance immune response against the foot and mouth disease virus.