[Foot and mouth disease--then, now and in the future].

Foot-and-mouth disease was a problem as early as 1862; however, insights into the aetiology and particularly the concept of infectious disease had not yet been elaborated. Our knowledge and the possibilities of dealing with the disease have shown a spectacular increase since then. Foot-and-mouth disease is now under control in large parts of Europe; this is the result of strict measures and mass vaccination of cattle. However, the situation is unstable, as is testified to by the situation in Italy, and there are questions regarding the origin of sporadic cases of the disease. The main question is: how do we reach the ultimate objective: a Western Europe free from foot-and-mouth disease, and where annual vaccination of cattle no longer is applied? The problems are analysed. An international approach appears to be essential.