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The recent media attention on outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the United Kingdom and other livestock-related diseases is a reminder of the serious consequences of livestock diseases. Most diseases, including foot-and-mouth, cannot be transmitted from animals to humans, although a few diseases can affect both humans and animals. For your own health, it is important to use some simple sanitary practices when visiting places where livestock are housed or are being exhibited. Another concern is the spread of disease among animals. Even though many diseases do not present any direct risks to humans, human contact can help spread diseases to other livestock. Livestock disease outbreaks could be economically devastating to a state like Nebraska, which derives a large portion of its income from the livestock industry.