Foot and Mouth Disease, also known as hoof and mouth diseases, is a virus that affects cloven-hoofed animals like sheep, goats, deer, elk and moose. It does not affect horses, and there is one known case of the disease infecting a human, causing a mild flu-like reaction. The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like lesions on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats, and between the claws of the animals. Older animals may recover, but can then become carriers.
Cattle can carry the virus for two years, sheep for two months.
Pigs are not carriers but are susceptible to it. The disease leaves the animals debilitated by causing blisters on their hooves that leave them lame, or blisters in their mouths that prevent them from eating. It also causes severe losses in the production of meat and milk. It will cause abortions or kill up to 75 percent of the offspring of sheep and pigs. The virus can be spread by other animals, people, or the wind.