Hoof and Mouth

What IS foot & mouth disease? It is one of the most infectious diseases known and consists of a virus, which attacks two groups of animals - pigs and ruminants. The latter group includes cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and some other "foreign" breeds of animal such as buffalo and antelope. It does not affect birds, dogs, or horses, but the virus can be carried on the feet of any bird or animal, including humans, that come …

…sterilize shoes, boots, vehicle tires and anything else that passes over it. The virus can be destroyed by strong and prolonged sunlight, low humidity, or extreme soil acidity or alkalinity. However, it can survive for long periods in freezing temperatures and can live in the body of an animal for up to two years. This is one of the reasons why cattle are destroyed and burned. The virus is completely destroyed by heat. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**