The outbreak of foot and mouth disease was detected in England on February 20. Since then the disease has spread in the UK in an explosive manner. By March 23, the disease has been found in France, the Netherlands and Ireland.
Further spread is feared.
The virus causes foot and mouth disease only in hoofed animals, but may cause a transient infection in horses and people. Hoofed animal species include cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, reindeer and elks. The disease causes no risk for humans. The foot and mouth virus persists for a long time in the environment. Anyone visiting the outbreak area can bring the disease to Finland.