Because the disease is easily transmitted and spreads rapidly, outbreaks cause enormous financial losses in terms of production and export revenue, and costs of eradication and vaccination programs. Men in very rare cases may develop very mild forms of disease.
Horses are resistant.
FMDV is resistant to cold temperatures and survives even freezing, but it is susceptible to pH less than 5, sunlight, heat and dryness. Transmission is either via aerosol from animal to animal, or contaminated personnel, equipment or feed. Wind may spread the virus over long distances. Occasionally, it is imported to FMD-free countries by contaminated frozen meat or garbage. In cattle, the primary site of infection are mainly the nostrils, following inhalation of aerosols.