FMD is highly contagious to cloven-hoofed animals but harmless to humans. It can be spread on contaminated clothing or footwear or in infected meat and animals. The biggest risk now is the illegal importation of animal products from these countries. The virus first infects the animal's respiratory tract, producing large amounts of mucous and saliva which further spreads the disease. Lesions appear in the mouth, on the tongue and lips, in nostrils and on the extremities.
Death comes with the general deterioration of condition and starvation.
FMD may also be spread on grass or hay and on untreated hides and wool. Wind-borne spread has also been suspected in past outbreaks. The Japanese infection may have entered the country on straw or feed from China or South Korea. Outbreaks occurred on at least 2 South Korean farms and on at least 3 Japanese farms. Exact numbers were difficult to determine as testing was ongoing.