Is FMD fatal? If FMD is left alone most animals survive in 2-3weeks, very young or very old animals may die So why do animals have to be destroyed? AFter FMD animals will not thrive so they will not fatten. Dairy cows have reduced milk yields and abortion and lameness.

Foot and Mouth Disease

Now i know that this has effected all of the horse owners i know and it must;ve effected most of you guys out there, but most people dont really know what its about. I didnt until iread some magazine articles so if you want to know more about foot and mouth, read on!

What causes foot and Mouth? Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a viral disease, its symptoms are a fever, followed by Blisters in the mouth and on the feet. it is the most infectious disease affecting animals today.

Which animals are affected? Cattle, sheep, pigs and goats, basically cloven hoofed animnals. Elephants, hedgehogs and rats may be able to get it HORSES AND PONIES CANNOT GET FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE!!!.

How does the disease spread? It can spread directly from one animal to another, or can be sopread by carriers, so this is why you cant walk through fields, even though people can't get FMD This is also why racing, and shows have been postponed, because horses near farms may carry the disease in their hooves..

Current total of CONFIRMED foot and mouth cases: 919 (2/4/01)

Firemen disinfecting lorries

Disinfection in 1967 (the last outbreak)

Many roads have been blocked

This is what the virus looks like