Fishing is not permitted prior to the stated opening date of 1st June. FMD is a viral, non-fatal but seriously damaging infection that affects mainly sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. Deer, hedgehogs and rats are among the wild animals susceptible to this disease. It does not affect fish or their food creatures, and it cannot survive for long in water. Sheep are least affected and the symptoms can be difficult to detect, whereas pigs suffer severe ulcers around their mouths and hooves.
Ulcerated animals can succumb to secondary bacterial infections.
Treatment options are slaughter, vaccination or simply do nothing and rely on the natural immune system to create antibodies and fight off the disease. Government is persisting with the slaughter policy in the hope of saving Britain's 300m livestock export market that is dependent on a disease-free status. Consequences of actions to eradicate FMD are a greater concern. Impermeable liners are being fitted to some sites as a way of minimising this risk. Overflowing of slurry lagoons on infected farms because they cannot be emptied due to FMD restrictions.