With no border quarantine measures, modern economics can move animals frequently and far. This means the virus can move more freely among and within member states. This time, in the 7 days since the first case was confirmed, FMD has spread throughout England into Wales, and now into Northern Ireland. Spain, France, Germany and Holland are now also at risk of livestock bought from Britain. After 7 days, the outbreak is already worse than the 1967 epidemic in geographic reach and in the number of cases confirmed in the first week.
All signs point to a major epidemic.
Movement of people has also become a major factor in containing the movement of the disease. In 1967, fewer than 0.5m flew from Britain to Dublin, in 2001 15m people are expected to fly this route. In 1990, the EU was declared completely free of FMD, but 10 years later this presents a complication. Vets and farmers are not experienced at dealing with this disease. With an estimated 20 million cattle, sheep and pigs in this country, the consequences of an outbreak are enormous.