yes, it can be. yes

I would say that Foot & Mouth is not generally classed as a zoonose as it does not generally easily cross the species barrier, however, it is not unheard of for humans to contract see: http://www.hpa.org.uk/To...ease/GeneralInformation/

So, after all that, the answers are: yes, it can be yes

I am still curious as to why Foot and Mouth. If you David suspect Foot and Mouth anywhere in the UK it should be reported asap to the Animal Health agency of Defra. Have you mixed it up with 'Hand, foot and mouth' which is a completely different disease in children?

Thank God it's Friday!

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is reportable to DEFRA. See http://www.defra.gov.uk/.../publications/index.htm. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) statement is: "Cases that have been reported have been mild and self-limiting, no human to human transmission has ever been reported, and FMD is not transmitted to humans through the food chain. FMD is therefore not a public health threat." http://www.hpa.org.uk/To...sAZ/FootAndMouthDisease/ Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a disease most commonly associated with children and often confused with FMD. If the vet is eluding to the notion that under some case where a person is diagnosed with FMD should this then be reportable under RIDDOR then the answer is 'yes'. in any instances where a disease is past from an animal to a worker this should be reported. However, given the likelihood of this occurring is extremely rare and the clinical advice confirms this the "hypothetical questioning" should happily remain so. I would suggest that should your vet wish to discuss this matter further that he contact the Animal Health Division of DEFRA who will be able to assist in this hypothetical line of query. The fact is that should your vet ever have to deal with an outbreak of FMD then you are going to have DEFRA quarantine zones, containment and culls. DEFRA will also take charge of the scene. There are a select few CMIOSH'er who assist DEFRA H&S Response team in the event of an disease outbreak - if any moderators are reading this then they may be able to share more info on that. I know that I am one of them (although I am now working in Education Sector my previous role was in Zoology Sector). Andrew Böber CMIOSH FRSPH FRGS