Foot and mouth disease of animals is caused by

Options

A. Bacterium
B. Protozoan
C. Virus
D. Worm

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Disease**: The question asks about the cause of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in animals.

2. **Recognize the Pathogen**: Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a specific type of pathogen. In this case, it is important to know that FMD is a viral disease.

3. **Specify the Virus**: The virus responsible for causing Foot and Mouth Disease is known as the Coxsackie virus. There are several variants of this virus, but the key point is that it is a virus, not a bacterium or any other type of pathogen.

4. **Understand Affected Animals**: While FMD primarily affects cattle, it can also infect other animals such as sheep, goats, and camels.

5. **Symptoms**: Infected animals typically exhibit symptoms such as fever and blisters in the mouth and on the feet.

6. **Human Transmission**: It is noteworthy that this disease can also be transmitted to humans, particularly affecting young children who may come into contact with infected animals.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the correct answer to the question is that Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus.

**Final Answer**: Foot and Mouth Disease is caused by a virus (specifically the Coxsackie virus).

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