I don't think it's in the syllabus but here you go
The highly contagious nature of the disease
Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, cattle, sheep, goats and deer. FMD does not affect humans, horses, or companion animals such as dogs and cats. It is spread rapidly by contact with infected animals, transmission on clothing and vehicles, and through the air. The virus multiplies to such an extent in infected animals that their expired air is virtually a cloud of virus.
The following have the potential to carry foot and mouth disease into Australia from any infected country:
* uncooked or semi-cooked meats;
* dairy products;
* hides and skins.
Strict quarantine measures are in place in Australia to prevent entry of the disease.
Feeding food refuse (swill) to pigs is thought to have played a big part in how the FMD epidemic started in the United Kingdom in 2001. New South Wales (and all other Australian states and territories) have strict laws that prohibit the feeding of food scraps or refuse to animals. To help avert the establishment of FMD and other diseases in Australia, we urge everyone to prevent pigs (including wild pigs) from gaining access to food scraps.
Early diagnosis and slaughter are needed to minimise the number and persistence of viruses, dramatically reducing the chances of spread. Vaccination has been used successfully to control FMD in many parts of the world where the disease occurs. However, vaccinated animals are not totally resistant and can still become infected with FMD and shed the virus.
Foot and mouth disease is NOT present in Australia.