Foot and Mouth Questions and Answers

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute infectious disease, which causes fever, followed by the development of vesicles (blisters) – chiefly in the mouth and on the feet. The disease is caused by a virus of which there are 7 types, which produce similar symptoms and can only be differentiated in the laboratory.

The conditions for Northern Ireland farmers wishing to export return to those prior to the recent Foot and Mouth outbreak.

For updated information on the current trade situation, please refer to the link below or contact Trade section on 028 9052 4664 or 028 9052 0989

Great Britain’s FMD-free status was fully restored on 01/01/2008. Live animals can be imported from anywhere in Great Britain, but they are subject to Bluetongue controls.  Susceptible animals which are imported from Bluetongue infected countries are restricted and isolated until post import tests have been completed and negative results received.

For updated information on the current trade situation, please refer to the link below or contact Trade section on 028 9052 4664 or 028 9052 0989

DARD reminds Northern Ireland farmers, hauliers and the wider public to remain vigilant and maintain strong biosecurity. Because of the risk of importing BT farmers are advised to ask if their importation is necessary, and if they consider that it is, then they follow the advice on the DARD website.

Biosecurity information is available on the DARD website.

There are no  trade restrictions on the movement of livestock within Northern Ireland or between Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, and GB.

There are no restrictions on the movement of horses, dogs and pets between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

For more information about the local restrictions in place in Great Britain, contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) helpline on 08459 33 55 77 or visit the DEFRA website (www.defra.gov.uk)

Among farm stock, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats are susceptible, as are llamas and alpacas. Some wild animals such as hedgehogs, coypu, and any wild cloven-footed animals such as deer and zoo animals including elephants can also contract it.

The virus is present in great quantity in the fluid from the blisters, and it can also occur in saliva, milk and dung and respired air. Contamination of any objects with any of these discharges is a danger to other stock. At the height of the disease, virus is present in the blood. Infected animals begin by excreting the virus a few days before signs of the disease develop. Pigs in particular produce large numbers of virus particles.

Airborne spread of the disease can take place and under favourable climatic conditions the disease may be spread considerable distances by this route. For example, circumstantial evidence strongly suggests that the outbreak on the Isle of Wight in 1981 resulted from the airborne spread of the virus from Brittany in northern France.

Animals pick up the virus either by direct contact with an infected animal or by contact with foodstuffs or other things which have been contaminated by such an animal, or by eating or coming into contact with some part of an infected carcase. In the past, outbreaks of the disease have been linked with the importation of infected meat and meat products.

The disease is spread mechanically by the movement of animals, persons, vehicles and other things which have been contaminated by the virus. Trucks, lorries, market places, and loading ramps – in or over which infected animals have travelled – are dangerous until disinfected. Roads may also become contaminated and virus may be picked up and carried on the wheels of passing vehicles.

The boots, clothing and hands of a stockman who has attended diseased animals can spread the disease and dogs, cats, poultry, wild game and vermin may also mechanically carry infection.

The disease is rarely fatal, except in the case of very young animals, which may die without showing any symptoms. Exceptionally, a severe form of the disease may cause sudden deaths among older stock.

The after-effects of FMD are serious. Affected animals lose condition and secondary bacterial infections may prolong convalescence. The most serious effects of the disease however are seen in dairy cattle. Loss of milk yield will certainly be experienced. Chronic mastitis may develop and the value of a cow is permanently reduced. Abortion, sterility and chronic lameness are commonplace and in some cases chronic heart disease occurs.

The owner of a suspected animal or carcase must by law, immediately report the fact to their local Divisional Veterinary Office. All herd owners should make themselves familiar with the symptoms, and call in a veterinary surgeon as early as possible.

Restrictions are imposed on the premises from the time of notification prohibiting any animal, person or thing entering or leaving the premises without permission, and a DARD Veterinary Officer (VO) makes an investigation. If signs suggest FMD is present, sample material from the affected animal(s) would be sent for testing. The Chief Veterinary Officer will confirm the outbreak if the laboratory results confirm the presence of FMD virus.

On confirmation of the disease a Protection Zone will be imposed with a minimum radius of 3km around the Infected Premises and a Surveillance Zone with a minimum radius of 10km.

Notices are posted at all entrances to the infected premises and the movement of people on and off the farm is controlled. An approved disinfectant must be used to disinfect footwear, clothing and vehicles before entering or leaving the premises. As soon as possible after confirmation of disease the infected animals are valued and slaughtered. Other susceptible animals are then valued and they too are slaughtered without delay.

Related Links

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/fmd/latest-situation/index.htm