FMD fear hauls UK once again

Aug 04: Animals of a farm in UK have been found affected with the deadly disease FMD (foot and mouth disease). At the news aired UK government has restricted the movement of the livestock to anywhere without a license.

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A meeting of COBRA a security committee of London headed by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown ordered the control over the movement of the sheep, pigs and other animals.

A farm in Surrey two days ago reported the symptoms of the disease which was confirmed today. The out-break of the endemic was declared by the concerned authorities and efforts to prevent its spread are being put forward.

Farmers have been ordered to conduct and examination of their domestic stock and report immediately to restrict its spread.

The disease is highly contagious and fatal for the cattle. It is a viral disease caused by an aphthovirus of the viral family Picornaviridae which can infect goat, sheep, elephants, rats as well. Though it rarely affects human but is no less dangerous.

Main symptoms of the disease is high fever coming to its low after two or three days. Other feature is that the affected animal develops blister in the mouth or in legs. This is main reason that it is called ‘Foot and Mouth Disease’.

UK badly suffered from this disease in 2001 when an outbreak spread all over Britain which left millions of animals killed. Out-break also disrupted various activities of the country such as sport events and elections.

Out break of 2001 was a blow to the rural economy and tourist industry of Britain.