It is a mild, short lived disease. We do not know for sure how the present outbreak in the UK started. But Foot and Mouth Disease is endemic in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America, with occasional outbreaks in disease-free areas. The last major outbreak of the disease in the EU was in Greece last year. Foot and Mouth Disease can be spread by direct or indirect contact with infected animals.
Ordinary people can also spread the disease.
The main risk is where people have contact with an infected animal, infected land or buildings, and then transfer the virus on their hands, clothing and especially footwear direct to another animal. The virus is sensitive to heat, and disinfectants, but it can remain active for some time on clothing or dried mud or dung on shoes or vehicles. Meat from the carcass of animals infected with Foot and Mouth Disease at the time of slaughter can transmit the virus. In the past, outbreaks of the disease have been linked with the importation of infected meat and meat products. But Foot and Mouth Disease is rarely fatal, except in the case of very young animals, which may die without showing any symptoms.