It sounds innocuous. But foot-and mouth disease is one of the world’s most economically devastating diseases affecting livestock.

When this highly contagious virus infects cattle, many develop painful blisters. Some die, but the real damage is longer term. Milk yields drop sharply for dairy cows and overall health takes a hit. While the disease can infect other cloven-hoofed animals such as sheep, cows are the worst hit.

The last outbreak in Australia was in 1872. But three years ago, foot and mouth arrived in Indonesia, triggering widespread alarm and new biosecurity measures. If the virus made it to Australia, it would put livestock exports at real risk. Graziers are also on edge about the government’s decision to open the door to beef imports from the United States.

When an outbreak is detected, authorities usually have to cull huge numbers of animals to prevent it spreading. But now another option is emerging – a new

© The Conversation