Humans who have visited infected areas, such as farms in England where the disease is at its peak, can carry the virus. Although the virus does not affect humans, people can act as carriers of the disease.
Someone can contract the virus by breathing it in.
The virus then can stick on the mucus membranes or on the clothing of the person. It is then transported with contact with the animal, said Dr. Thomas Drake, extension veterinarian at the department of veterinary science. The new policy requires potential Penn State barn visitors to make appointments to be screened before entering the facilities. There are no infected animals in the United States or Canada, and Penn State is taking procedures to make sure that university animals remain safe, Griswold said. There are many animal barns scattered throughout Penn State.