One of the confirmed outbreaks in England is about 15 miles from RAF Croughton. Another outbreak is about 20 miles from RAF Fairford. FMD is a highly infectious viral disease of cloven-footed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer and antelope. Horses are resistant to it but can be carriers of the virus. FMD is characterized by blistering lesions mostly on the feet, tongue, mouth and teats of infected animals.
Most animals survive the disease but never regain the same level of productivity.
The virus is highly contagious among livestock and spreads quickly from one animal to another. The wind can carry it up to 30 miles. It's very difficult to control FMD due to the wide range of animals it affects. A policy of quarantine, slaughter and vaccination is the only known way to control it from spreading. These infected workers experienced minor skin lesions and mild cold symptoms.