Synthetic FMD peptide immunogens and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods for detecting, treating, and preventing an FMD infection in an animal using the synthetic FMD peptide immunogens are also disclosed. In a specific embodiment, a peptide-based emergency vaccine and formulations thereof against Foot and Mouth Disease is described. Various vaccine formulations contain a mixture of peptides derived from FMDV VP1 protein each peptide containing a B cell FMDV neutralizing/receptor binding epitope sequence linked to an artificial Th epitope to enhance the immunogenicity of each peptide. Disclosed vaccine formulations containing viral immunogens can optionally be supplemented with a mixture of peptides representing the FMDV endogenous Th epitopes derived from FMDV proteins, homologues and functional analogues thereof. Such viral peptide compositions are prepared in an acceptable delivery system as vaccine formulations and can provide protection pigs and cattle from infection upon FMDV challenge with only single administration.
