Foot and Mouth Disease Investigations-Using Timelines

Timelines are a useful tool for epidemiological investigations of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). They determine the most likely infection and transmission period on the property and the possible date of introduction. It also helps to determine the highest risk period of spread so animal and other tracing can be prioritised. Timelines give:

• A time window for introduction of the virus (based on the incubation period)
• A time window for spread to other units (using the period of virus excretion)