In fact, the current outbreak of FMD is thought to be reaching its peak, thanks in part to increasing restrictions and control efforts. The number of veterinarians involved has grown from just over 200 in February to more than 1,600 now. And the daily average of animals slaughtered rose from 19,000 in mid-March to 34,000 in the beginning of April. But the epidemic has been economically devastating for many farmers, particularly those in Cumbria, Dumfries, Galloway and Devon. Adult animals rarely die from the infection but do suffer permanent weight reduction and a loss of milk yield.
Young animals can die without ever showing symptoms.
In addition, the virus that causes FMD, an aphthovirus from the family picornaviridae, has remarkable reach, especially in cold temperatures. And the strain now in play, pan-Asiatic O type, is highly contagious. FMD manifests itself as a fever, followed by namesake blisters in the mouth or on the feet. Because sick animals begin excreting the virus a few days before symptoms appear, they can readily pass it on to others through direct contact. The virus can also survive outside a host for a month or more in damp soil or in meat from the carcass of infected animals.