Those cleared were the first to be tested during the current FMD outbreak, and included a worker who accidentally ingested fluid sprayed from a rotting carcass. Two more suspected cases were being investigated as of April 30. The disease can cause blisters on the hands and a sore throat, as well as fever and other flulike symptoms.
Patients usually recover in a few days, and there is no evidence it can be passed to other humans.
Human cases are associated with close contact with infected animals. Local veterinarians will have the power to decide which cattle are susceptible and should be killed, and which ones farmers have protected by adequate biosecurity and may be spared. The policy change does not apply to sheep or pigs.