The virus can survive for extended periods outside the host in protected locations. The virus is rendered inactive by sunlight, extremes in pH, and high temperatures. The virus can be carried by people for up to approximately 14 days after contact with the disease. The virus can then be expelled in the saliva or breath, and become a source of infection to susceptible animals. Travelers, therefore, are definitely a possible source of infection.
Human infections do occur, but are extremely rare.
The most common means of contracting the virus is ingestion of FMDV infected milk, especially raw milk. Close contact with infected animals can also result in disease transmission, especially in outbreak situations when livestock mortality is high and large amounts of virus are shed into the environment. Groups at risk include herdsmen, veterinarians, technicians, and consumers of raw dairy products. No cases of human infection were recognized during the most recent FMD outbreaks in Mexico and the U.S., although countless people had close contact with the virus. Although the disease is not known to occur in Canada, international trade pressures and heightened public concern make it increasingly important for Canada to demonstrate that adequate and effective surveillance measures are in place to detect the presence of BSE should it exist in Canadian cattle.