This is the most likely way the infection came to Britain in the first case. Imports of meat from countries with foot and mouth are banned but infected meat fed to pigs in Northumberland in swill is regarded as the most likely cause of the outbreak, although the cause is still under investigation. Food containing the virus brought in from another country and carelessly thrown away in Britain is another possible cause. Countries must be disease-free for six months before exports are allowed. For infected meat to have reached Britain some illegal practice must have occurred.
Animals are far more susceptible.
These are far less likely than farm animals to catch foot and mouth because they have less contact with infected animals. The rapid spread of infection so far has been caused by the mixing of sheep in markets and transporting them long distances crowded in lorries. But experts think infection of wild animals is unlikely. Culling poses difficulties because frightened animals are likely to disperse, spreading the infection further than leaving them alone would do.