Foot and Mouth Disease

Much of Scotland's Countryside is free of foot and mouth disease
 and is open for outdoor pursuits and tourism.
however, given the serious nature of the disease, care is still required.
This page outlines sensible precautions for those coming back to enjoy the countryside.
While large areas of Scotland are accessible it is wise to check 
that your particular destination is open before you travel.

Humans, dogs and horses can't catch foot and mouth disease but they can spread
it to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer.
 Foot and Mouth is a highly infectious disease but for the general public, who don't work with livestock, the chances of spreading it are generally low.  Indirect transfer from person to person contact, for example at sporting or social events, and then onwards to livestock is possible but unlikely.

The main risk of people spreading the disease comes from direct contact with an infected animal or its dung. People can pick up the virus on their hands, clothes and footwear and transfer it to another animal. This is why it is crucial to avoid all physical contact with livestock and to avoid farm steadings, yards and enclosed fields where there could be dung from infected animals. This advise is especially important for dog owners. Dogs must not be allowed off the lead as they may disperse other animals and can be attracted by dung.

In areas of Scotland which is free of foot and mouth disease, the risk from walking on the open hill or paths not regularly frequented by sheep and cattle is extremely low. It is still important to ensure that livestock, wild deer  and goats are not disturbed.

The virus can remain active for three days in summer and up to two weeks in dried mud or dung on clothing, shoes or vehicles but it can be killed off by heat or disinfectants. If you have mud or dung on your footwear, bicycle or car, you should clean them as soon as possible. Washing your footwear with soap and hot water will be sufficient.

The risks of spreading foot and mouth are greatest in the areas where the disease has already occurred. But we can't assume the disease isn't present elsewhere. By following the guidelines in the code below, we can all minimise the chances of spreading foot and mouth and begin to allow life in the country return to normal.

The Code

Please follow this advise to avoid endangering farm animals and people's livelihoods.

  • Do not touch or feed animals.

  • Do not enter enclosed fields with farm animals.

  • Avoid farm steadings and yards.

  • Do not leave waste or scraps of food or litter.

  • Do not park your car in areas where farm animals gather.

  • Keep dogs on a lead at all times.

  • Clean your boots and vehicles between visits to the countryside. 

  • Obey official signs.

  • Respect advisory signs and requests from farmers and other land managers.


This code is based on expert advice from the State Veterinary Service and on guidance previously issued by the Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department, Which is responsible for action to contain and eradicate foot and mouth disease.

Below are some websites that contain information on the countryside and the foot and mouth disease.

 The Countryside

News Co-ordination Center: Governments Crisis Foot & Mouth News Website
Website that was first set up in September 2000 to act as a central information source
in an emergency which is now dedicated to the latest on the Foot And Mouth Disease .
Website     : www.co-ordination.gov.uk
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Website that is aimed at people who want to stroll in the countryside.
Website     : www.maff.gov.uk
Institue of Public Righs of Way
Website that is aimed at people who want to stroll in the countryside.
Website     :  www.iprow.co.uk
Local Government Website
A list of government websites that will have the latest information on the foot and mouth disease.
Website     :  www.open.gov.uk
The Rambler's Association
 Website     :  www.ramblers.org.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society
Society which owns the nation's best loved gardens.
Website     :  www.rhs.org.uk
The Forestry Commission
Provides a regulary updated list of open woods and forests on it's website.
Website     :  www.forestry.gov.uk
Traffic news  (Information on road closures)
The Department of the Environment, Transport and Regions
Information on road closure throughout the nation due to the outbreak.
Website     :  www.detr.gov.uk
The AA
Website     :  www.theaa.com
The RAC
Website     :  www.rac.co.uk

We hope that you will take heed of these precautions and have a great time while visiting Scotland.

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