March 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease Foot and mouth disease is not considered a human health threat. California has not experienced an outbreak of foot and mouth disease since 1929. Yet because of its highly contagious nature and severe economic consequences, the disease is a serious concern in international animal health and a threat to California's beef, dairy and swine industries.
Species affected include economically important cattle, sheep and pigs.
Because it spreads rapidly and widely, and has grave consequences to animal welfare and international trade, FMD is one of the most feared animal diseases. Airborne spread is possible up to 40 miles over land and 180 miles over water. Current policy for eradication is to establish quarantines, depopulate sick and exposed animals, dispose of animals and disinfect facilities. Vaccination against FMD is considered the last option and is not used except in FMD endemic areas, because vaccination lowers the value of products and limits access to markets. An FMD outbreak would be a potential agricultural disaster.