Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) is a virus which affects animals with cloven hooves such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer. Contrary to popular belief, the virus is not a risk to the health of humans either through contact with an infected animal or consumption of meat or milk from it. The last human case recorded was in 1966 and needed no medical attention. It could, however, have serious impact on the economics of animal farming.
There are many ways the disease can spread from animal to animal: direct contact; contact with shared foodstuffs; airborne spreading; and the movement of objects & humans is also thought to contribute.
Whilst not fatal for adult animals, it causes a drastic drop in productivity meaning milk yields would be badly affected. The animal may also become lame, jeapordising its ability to produce quality meat and even reproduce.
When a case is confirmed in the UK, a perimeter zone is set up and all infected or susceptible animals in the area are slaughtered.
This time round there are suspicions as to how the virus was transferred to the affected farm in Surrey.
For further information on the current outbreak, click here.
To see what Prime Minister Gordon Brown has to say on the matter, click here.
Check back later on in the week for an exclusive article written by food expert Graham Harvey on the impact of the outbreak.
I read some good articles here...
http://article.ezedir.com/
Posted by: robert | April 15, 2008 at 09:26 PM
It will also be wise to know the fire exits on the floor you are staying.
Posted by: vigilon | February 17, 2011 at 12:12 PM