The disease is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on the tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the disease leaves them weakened and debilitated. Horses are not affected. Canada has been free of Foot and Mouth Disease since 1952. Foot and Mouth Disease is not a public health threat.
Human cases are extremely rare.
Animals, people or materials can spread Foot and Mouth Disease. Animals carrying the virus are introduced into susceptible herds. Contaminated facilities and vehicles are used to hold and move susceptible animals. Meat or animal products infected with the virus or raw or improperly cooked food waste containing infected meat or animal products is fed to susceptible animals. Susceptible animals are exposed to contaminated materials such as hay, feed, water, semen or biologics.