FAQs about FMD
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What causes FMD?
FMD is caused by a hardy virus that can persist in contaminated fodder and the environment for up to one month.
What effects does FMD have on animals?
The disease infects cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals, causing sore mouths and feet, fever and appetite loss. Although only five per cent of animals die, many remain debilitated. The disease causes pregnant animals to abort, lowers milk yield and reduces weight gain, so there is less meat on the animal. It therefore has an important economic impact.
Can humans catch FMD from animals?
Yes, but this is very rare. There was one human case in 1967 and none in 2001. As with animals, infected humans suffer a mild flu and a sore mouth.
Is meat from animals with FMD infected?
Yes, but the virus is killed if the meat is cooked properly.
How is FMD spread?
The FMD virus is highly contagious. It can be spread when animals are housed in contaminated barns, transported in contaminated vehicles, or exposed to hay, food or water contaminated with the virus. People can also spread the virus: they can carry it in their nasal passages, on their shoes, clothes, even mobile phones.
How did FMD get into the UK in 2001?
The massive increase in free trade makes import restrictions more difficult, so countries around the world are more vulnerable to outbreaks. The UK outbreak occurred as a result of a worldwide epidemic of a virulent strain called the Pan Asian Type O, which reached 60 countries in 1999. It is thought to have spread to the UK from South America through infected meat fed to pigs in Northumberland in swill, although this is not known for sure.