Foot and mouth disease virus particle

Molecular model from X-ray diffraction data (PDB ID: 1bbt) of a foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) particle. It belongs to the Picornaviridae family and has an icosahedral protein capsid which contains single stranded RNA at its core. Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious disease which affects cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hooved ruminants. Symptoms include high fever and blisters in the mouth and on the feet. Major outbreaks can result in animals being slaughtered to stop the infection spreading, with a devastating effect on livestock and the farming industry. Width of image is approximately 28 nm.