Foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect it you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

In Wales, contact 0300 303 8268. In Scotland, contact the Field Services Office.

The disease is rarely fatal in adult animals, but mortality rates can be high in young animals; in susceptible populations morbidity can approach 100%.

Animals that recover are usually weakened.

As FMD virus can spread very quickly, it is important that farmers and the public protect livestock by maintaining good biosecurity. This includes following Defra guidance on importing goods and taking precautions with visitors and when travelling to countries affected by FMD.

Where is the disease found?

FMD is endemic in several parts of the world including Africa and the Middle East. Recently (March 2025), there have been outbreaks reported in Europe.

Even if an area is free of FMD, the disease can occur sporadically.

The last outbreak in Great Britain was in 2007 and there are no current cases or control zones in the UK.

What animals are affected?

FMD affects cloven-hoofed animals including:

• Cattle
• Sheep
• Pigs
• Goats
• Deer

It does not affect humans.

How is the virus spread?

The FMD virus is spread through all excretions and secretions of infected animals, such as particles in the breath, saliva, milk, semen, urine, faeces and fluid from blisters.

The virus can be present in secretions up to four days before clinical signs of the disease are detected.

Animals that recover may act as carriers of the disease.

The virus can also be spread through:

• The breath of infected animals, which can travel large distances
• Contaminated pens and buildings
• Contaminated vehicles, clothing and footwear
• Contaminated feed, water and equipment
• Raw or improperly cooked contaminated animal products fed to susceptible animals

What are the signs of FMD?

The typical clinical sign is blistering. Blisters appear on the nose, tongue, lips, in the mouth, between toes, above the hooves, teats and pressure points.

Blisters rupture and form erosions, with the animal reluctant to move or eat. Infection of ruptured blisters can also occur.

Other signs affecting all susceptible species include:

• Fever
• Lameness
• Drooling
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Drop in milk production
• High youngstock mortality

The signs of FMD can vary between cattle, sheep and pigs.

Cattle

Cattle can have mild to severe blisters.

Sheep

• Sheep are less likely to develop mouth blisters than cattle
• Lameness is the main sign of FMD in sheep
• Ewes may abort

Pigs

• Pigs rarely develop blisters as a result of FMD
• Sudden lameness is the main sign of the disease
• Sometimes, pigs may develop blisters above the hooves and on the snout and tongue

Several diseases can show similar signs to FMD, which is why it is so important to report any suspicions you may have.

Prevention and control of the disease

Cases of FMD are monitored globally by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and each country is given an official FMD status.

As soon as a case is reported, UK border controls are put in place. Imports of goods that pose a risk for transmitting the disease, such as livestock, meat and dairy products, and hay and straw, are restricted from countries which report FMD cases.

Anyone who does not follow these restrictions faces prosecution.

Importing meat and dairy products for personal consumption is also restricted.

To protect your farm, check whether visitors have travelled recently to countries affected by FMD and ensure they do not bring risky products with them.

If you travel to a country where FMD is present, it is recommended that you avoid contact with livestock and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before returning to the UK.

It is essential for livestock owners and producers to maintain sound biosecurity practices to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus:

• Control access to livestock by people and equipment
• Control the introduction of new animals to existing stock
• Regularly clean and disinfect livestock pens, buildings, vehicles and equipment using a Defra-approved disinfectant 
• Monitor and report illness
• Dispose of manure and dead carcases appropriately

Your vet can assist you with making a biosecurity plan for your farm.