Foot & mouth update

The farm on the Romney Marsh in Kent where foot and mouth was suspected has been declared disease free. Tests are still being conducted on animals at Chessington Zoo near London, but are also expected to come out negative.

Transmission of foot and mouth

Direct contact, from animal-to-animal

Fluid from an infected animal's blister; saliva, milk or dung also pass on the disease

Animals eating infected feed

Virus can be spread by people or vehicles, if not disinfected

Airborne spread of disease also possible

Animals can begin spreading virus before visible signs of disease emerge