The few reported cases of FMD in humans occurred in Europe, Africa and South America. Human cases have usually recovered within one week after the last blister formation. The disease has no implications for the food chain of humans. Just as FMD does not affect humans, HFMD disease does not affect animals. Although FMD presents no significant risk to human health, it can be spread to animals by a variety of means including food products, especially those that have not been cooked.
Food products discarded by humans can therefore pose a serious risk to animals.
Travellers are advised that sporting or recreational events that can potentially spread the virus may be cancelled. As a precaution, all international travellers returning to Canada will be required to step over a disinfectant mat and may be referred to the CFIA for further inspection at Canadian international airports. If you have visited a farm while abroad, and before returning home, make sure that the clothing and footwear you wore during your visit are free from soil or manure. Clean and disinfect your footwear. Dry cleaning of clothes is recommended.