contagious and can be easily carried on shoes and clothes.

* It thrives in damp, warm conditions.

* It can be easily destroyed with sodium hydroxide, ammonia and even common vinegar. Placing clothes in direct sunlight also works.

* The virus can live up to 12 weeks on clothing and in feed, up to a month in hair, and up to one year on affected premises.

* It may persist in an aerosol form for long periods.

* The virus is totally resistant to freezing temperatures and is well preserved in frozen semen for at least a month.

* Rodents can carry the disease for up to five months.

* The virus has hit some rural parts of the UK, but has also spread to other parts of Europe.

* The virus has now spread to many other countries, so people travelling on from the UK should be wary. People travelling to Europe should find out which areas have been affected by the disease and avoid them.

* However, if people have walked along rural trails or been near to farmland, even if they believe it to be unaffected, they should take precautions before returning to Bermuda.

* Where contamination may have occurred, all clothes should be thoroughly washed before being brought back to Bermuda and shoes should be disinfected.

People should also take a long shower to ensure the virus is not being carried on their body or in their hair.

* Clothing should be hung in direct sunlight to dry and air after it has been thoroughly washed.