Transmission of the virus of foot and mouth disease between animals and man.

The virus of foot and mouth disease causes severe epizootics in animals and infrequently evokes painful, but transient, clinical signs in man. Adults in certain occupational groups and young children are particularly exposed to risk. Infected persons may disseminate virus for up to about 14 days. The virus can be transmitted from animals to animals, from animals to man, from man to animals and, probably, from man to man. Evidence for transfer of the disease between human and animal populations is reviewed in detail and modern methods of diagnosis are described. Predisposing factors play an important role in the development of overt foot and mouth disease in man. Subclinical infection occurs. The possibility of aerial transfer of the virus between man and domestic livestock constitutes a hazard, especially to the latter. Attention is directed to the need for sophisticated diagnostic techniques, to requirements for adequate precautions in the handling and disposal of affected animals, and to hygienic measures for disease control.