The Code is based on expert advice from the State Veterinary Service and on guidance previously issued by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, which is responsible for action to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease. Background Humans, dogs and horses can't catch foot and mouth disease but they can spread it to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. Foot and mouth is a highly infectious disease but for the general public, who don't work with livestock, the chances of spreading it are generally low. Indirect transfer from person to person contact, for example at sporting or social events, and then onwards to livestock is possible but unlikely. The main risk of people spreading the disease comes from direct contact with an infected animal or its dung.
People can pick up the virus on their hands, clothes and footwear and transfer it to another animal.
This is why it is crucial to avoid all physical contact with livestock and to avoid farm steadings, yards and enclosed fields where there could be dung from infected animals. This advice is especially important for dog owners. Dogs must not be allowed off the lead as they may disperse other animals and can be attracted by dung. In areas of Scotland which are free of foot and mouth disease, the risk from walking on the open hill or paths not regularly frequented by sheep and cattle is extremely low. It is still important to ensure that livestock, wild deer and goats are not disturbed.