The government has been unable to adequately control the spread of this disease, partly because of the difficulties it has in obtaining equipment and supplies, particularly vaccines. The facts FOOT AND mouth is a mild viral infection of animals like sheep, pigs, cows and goats. It was common across Britain and Europe throughout the 19th century. The disease is not generally fatal to animals, and there is no danger to humans. Infected animals get ill, with symptoms a bit like human cold sores, and generally recover within a few weeks.
Some animals suffer a loss of weight and lower milk yields which cuts profits.
Controls were first introduced in the late 19th century under pressure from rich, aristocratic cattle breeders. At that time Britain exported mainly industrial goods and imported agricultural ones. One exception was the lucrative export of pedigree breeding cattle, a trade monopolised by some of the wealthiest landowners. These landowners demanded controls in case infected imports spread foot and mouth to their flocks. This was the origin of the policy of mass slaughter.