Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 3/18/2001

Question
I am wondering why the animals that have not yet been infected with the foot and mouth disease in
England cannot be butchered for meat. If they do not have the disease, wouldn't the meat be suitable for consumption? Just a curiosity question. Thanks,  Mary

Answer
I wondered the same thing. My only guess, and it is a guess is that the animal could be infected before showing signs of the disease. So throwing away the animal reduces the risk. For they probably fear eating an animal that is infected but hasn't shown signs yet.