Foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus. The virus can affect cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and deer, and can cause fever and blister-like sores on the tongue, lips, and hooves. The disease can lead to decreased milk production in cows and weight loss, which can result in economic losses for farmers. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly among livestock, making it a significant concern for animal health officials.