But the last major epidemic was in 1967 and ended in the slaughter of 442,000 animals after more than 2,364 outbreaks were detected. It cost the country an estimated 150m in slaughter costs and lost sales in 1967 and 1968. A total of 27m was paid out to farmers in compensation. Farms had to be scrubbed with disinfectant twice a day and animals were not allowed on to the land for at least six months after the slaughter. The worst outbreaks were in Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire.
Doctors say there is no risk to human health.
During the 1967 epidemic one human was diagnosed as having caught the disease and one child was suspected of having it. The disease should not be confused with the similarly-named, but completely different condition called hand, foot and mouth disease, which can infect and cause illness, particularly in children. It was thought to have been virtually eradicated in Europe where, until now, the most recent outbreak was in Greece last year. North and central America, the Pacific nations and the Caribbean are free of the virus. The assembly functions jointly with MAFF officials and there is no separation of powers.