Use of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the rapid diagnosis of foot and mouth disease in South America.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a limiting factor for the economic progress of the animal industry in South America. The presence of the disease results in the imposition of national and international sanitary barriers to animals and animal products, and, most especially, a reduction in the availability of protein from animal origin and in income. Rapid and accurate identification of infected animals, those with either clinical or subclinical disease as well as with persistent infection, is essential for maintaining an efficient eradication programme.