Master Question List for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus

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The following Master Question List (MQL) was developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to provide government decision makers with up-to-date information that will enable them to appropriately respond to outbreaks caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). FMDV is a highly infectious agent affecting cloven-hoofed animals, with massive economic and agricultural impacts in the event of an outbreak in the United States. The MQL summarizes what is known and what knowledge gaps exist to address key questions such as "What host species can transmit FMDV to livestock?" and "What is the most operationally relevant route of infection?" The information is presented as a succinct summary to facilitate structured, scientifically guided discussions across the federal government, reducing the need for extensive review of scientific literature and preventing duplication of research efforts.