And to expand a little further on the reasons behind that difference - until comparatively recently the term ‘hoof’ in England was reserved for those ungulates which walk on one toe (horses etc), and these aren’t subject to the disease. Ungulates walking on two toes (cattle, sheep, pigs etc) were always referred to by farmers as having feet, not hooves: and these are the species subject to the disease. Although this distinction has now virtually disappeared, except among some older farmers in some regions, and ‘hoof’ is used prettty well universally for all ungulates, the disease has kept its older name.
13 posted on 08/04/2007 5:24:21 AM CDT by Winniesboy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
Ok, so you’re saying that “foot” is an ok substitute for hooves????