Despite the current focus on the disease in Europe, the FAO began to see an occurrence of cases in 2000 in Japan, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and some countries of South America. The Commission is meeting from 21-23 March at FAO Headquarters in Rome. FAO responded to the Iraqi government's request for assistance and implemented an active animal health program in the country. Iran is also participating in the regional program. On 17 February 1998, at the start of the 33rd Session of the EUFmd in Brussels, FAO warned that Europe might face further devastating animal disease epidemics due to long-distance transport of animals and increasingly dense livestock units.
Diseased animals suffer from open sores on the mouth and feet.
The disease can cause severe economic losses and prevents the exportation of live animals, meat and dairy products.