Foot and Mouth

[Morrigan_Lady]

Please can some one explain to me exactly what Foot and Mouth is?

Many Thanks
MW

 

[Madam_max]

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/about/index.htm

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

Its a disease which any cloven hoofed animal can get i.e. sheep/pigs/cows. The symptoms show in their feet and their mouth hence the name. It is highly contagious and the virus can survive for 50 days in the ground which is why the livestock movement restrictions are in place for such a long time to ensure the virus is dead.

 

[Morrigan_Lady]

Thank you!

And am I right in thinking that Horses can carry it and pass it on, but cant actually catch it themselves?

 

[pottamus]

They can only carry it in so far as in mud on their hooves if they have been in contact with it via land. They do not carry it within themselves though. This is why horse movement is sometimes affected when outbreaks occur as there is the threat of them putting it onto other land.
Wish they would just close footpaths and bridleways in Surrey until this thing is properly put to bed!