You suspect a foot-and-mouth disease case and a horse emergency occurs nearby. What should you do first?

• A. Wash your boots with antiseptic and see the horse, as it is not susceptible to foot and mouth disease
• B. See the horse immediately, as the foot and mouth agent cannot be spread by humans
• C. See the horse, but treat it with antibiotics to prevent foot and mouth disease
• D. Refer the case to a colleague, as you are afraid of spreading the infection on fomites

Answer: (D)

Managing a suspected foot-and-mouth disease case hinges on biosecurity and prompt reporting to prevent spread via fomites. The virus can hitch a ride on hands, clothing, boots, equipment, and vehicles, so approaching the horse or handling the scene can inadvertently transmit it to other animals and sites. The safest first action is to step back and refer the situation to a colleague or the appropriate veterinary authorities who can implement proper containment, decontamination, and notification protocols. Antibiotics won’t stop a viral infection, and assuming the horse isn’t a risk or that you can safely examine it isn’t reliable. By delegating first, you ensure the response follows established biosecurity and reporting procedures.