The virus lives in soil, meat, wool, blood, hair, grass, animal faeces, or straw. In some situations it can also be carried by the wind. It spreads more quickly in cold conditions so winter is a more dangerous time. The disease affects sheep, cattle, pigs, deer, goats and other animals with cloven hooves. It gives them blisters on the feet and mouth, as well as soft tissue like udders.
Animals can also develop a fever and become lame.
The milk yield from cows with Foot and Mouth significantly reduces. Sheep and cattle grown for their wool and meat lose weight. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Please bookmark this page and visit regularly to check out the progress. Any comments or suggestions for our web site would be appreciated.