Earlier this year there was a tremendous outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in England and Northern Ireland. This is a very serious, easily transmissible viral disease (related to enteroviruses in humans) in cloven-hoofed ruminants [cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, etc.]. The disease causes loss of meat and milk production. Humans rarely contract FMD but can unknowingly transmit FMD by coming into contact (including clothing or footwear) with FMD virus contaminated material.

To contain the outbreak, diseased and suspect animals were slaughtered and burned (Science had a very graphic picture). Travel to rural areas was significantly restricted and roads closed. Zoos and rural tourist sites were also closed.

[Ed. note: Per two non-medical colleagues, I’m happy to report that some restrictions have been lifted and that some tourist sites recently reopened. Please check with the CDC for further updates on this tragic situation and its effect on the upcoming tourist season.]