But I don't know of a better measure to contain, control and eradicate immediately than killing the infected and exposed animals. The main symptoms are blisters that develop into deep sores in the mouth, nose, feet and teats accompanied by high fever, inability to eat and much weight loss. The blisters contain concentrated quantities of the virus which is easily spread through saliva, milk, dung, reproduction, exhaled air from breathing or coughing and the wind. Thus, anything from feet to wheels that move through contaminated pastures, roads and paths can spread the disease. Thus, the need for disinfectants on shoes, wheels, hoses and other equipment.
None are a threat to humans.
The virus can survive for long periods in meat if the pH does not fall below 6.2. It can also survive in frozen lymph nodes, bone marrow and viscera. The virus also survives well in salted and cured meats and in non-pasteurized dairy products. One investigation found the virus surviving at least 30 days on hay. The last outbreak in the United States was 1929 when a U.S. Dept. of Agriculture policy decided that killing all infected and exposed hoofed animals is the first choice of defense to contain and eradicate the highly contagious disease.