GENERAL INFORMATION
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD, Latin name Aphtae epizooticae) is a highly contagious viral disease. It can infect cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, but also deer, llamas, alpacas and other bovids with cloven hooves, as well as elephants, rats, and hedgehogs.

Horses, ponies and donkeys are not affected by FMD. However, horses, like humans, dogs and vehicles, can spread the virus by transporting infected material.

MOVEMENT OF HORSES INSIDE PROTECTION ZONE
A nationwide ban on the movement of cattle and pigs has been imposed, with a three-kilometre protection zone in place around the affected farm in Surrey and a further ten-kilometre zone of cattle surveillance. An eight-kilometre aerial exclusion zone has been set up around the site.

Currently, horses can be moved in and out the protection zone only under licence — obtainable from the local Animal Health Office until further notice.

Horses cannot be moved from premises to premises within the protection zone if they are kept alongside ruminants.

Horseboxes where susceptible species are kept cannot be moved without a licence.

Hacking within the zone is not allowed.

MOVEMENT OF HORSES OUTSIDE PROTECTION ZONE
So far, horses are not subject to movement restrictions and shows can take place as normal.

At present, horse travel overseas is not subjected to restrictions.

For more information, visit www.defra.gov.uk or e-mail helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk