There are several different strains of the virus. The FMD strain now in England and Europe is harder on pigs and cattle but milder in sheep and goats. Humans do not catch FMD virus. Although older pigs and cattle usually do not die from FMD infection, they suffer a severe illness, which is economically devastating to their owners. They have high fevers, stop eating, give less milk and become lame.
Blisters form on the feet, mouth, nose and teats, which then burst, leaving painful ulcers.
The hooves of infected pigs may drop off, and young piglets often die. FMD broke out in England in February 2001, spread rapidly in that country, and then moved to Ireland, France, and the Netherlands. The virus is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly unless it is contained. This usually requires quarantining infected farms, followed by slaughtering and burning all susceptible animals. Anyone having contact with animals in infected countries should not go near susceptible animals for at least five days.