Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa: What You Need to Know | 3 min read

With recent headlines about Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) affecting livestock, many people are asking: Is this the same illness that’s affecting children? The short answer is no. Despite the similar names, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) are entirely different. One affects farm animals, the other affects humans, mostly young children, and there’s no link or risk of crossover between the two.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the difference, and why HFMD is not something to panic about.

HFMD Affects Children – Not Animals

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by a group of human viruses, usually Coxsackievirus. It mostly affects children under the age of five, although older children and adults can sometimes catch it too.

Key facts about HFMD:

It’s caused by viruses that only infect humans — not animals.

It spreads easily in crèches, schools, and homes through coughs, sneezes, saliva, or contact with nappies or surfaces.

It is not linked to food, farming, or livestock.

Most children recover at home in about 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms of HFMD usually include:

Mild fever and sore throat

Small, painful blisters or spots on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth
Sometimes a rash on the legs or buttocks

There’s no specific treatment, but it can be managed with rest, fluids, and basic symptom relief (like paracetamol for fever). It may look unpleasant, but HFMD is usually mild and not dangerous.

FMD Affects Animals — Not People

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), on the other hand, is a completely different illness that affects farm animals such as cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep. It’s caused by a different virus and does not infect humans.

Key facts about FMD:

It only affects cloven-hoofed animals, not people.

You cannot catch FMD from animals, and there is no risk from eating meat or dairy — especially when properly cooked or pasteurised.

FMD gets attention in the media because of its impact on agriculture, but it is not a public health risk for people.

No Risk of Cross-Infection

Although HFMD and FMD sound similar, they:

Are caused by different viruses,

Affect different species,

Spread in different ways, and

Cannot be passed between animals and humans.

There is no link between HFMD outbreaks in children and outbreaks of FMD in animals. You cannot catch HFMD by eating meat or dairy, and you cannot catch FMD as a human.

So, What Should Parents Do?

HFMD is common, and most children recover quickly and without complications. While there is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment for HFMD, symptoms can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication for fever or discomfort.

Here’s how to help reduce the spread of the virus:

Wash hands regularly, especially after changing nappies, wiping noses, or using the toilet.

Keep shared items like toys, bottles, and dummies clean.

According to the NICD, children do not need to be excluded from school or crèche if they are well enough to attend. However, many childcare centres have their own policies, and caregivers should check with the school or facility about their specific requirements.