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restrictions on importation of animals and animal products.
The USDA’s Regional Emergency Animal Disease Eradi
cation Organization also has an updated response plan,
which integrates state and USDA response to a foreign
animal disease, that will likely be activated if FMD is dis
covered in the U.S.
Both the USDA and the state Agriculture Department
have drafted guidance for travelers to FMD countries that,
if followed, will minimize the risk of transporting the virus
to the U.S.
Overseas travelers are advised to take the following pre
cautions upon their return to the U.S.:
• Avoid contact with animals or areas where animals
have been held for at least five days before returning to the
U.S.
• Before returning to the U.S., launder or dry clean all
clothing, jackets or coats.
• Those who have visited a farm, or come in contact with
livestock during their international trip, should shower,
shampoo and change into clean clothing. Wash or dry clean
clothes don’t risk taking the virus home on contaminated
clothing.
• Remove all dirt or organic material from shoes, lug
gage, personal items, etc. Thoroughly clean the items with
disinfectant, such as bleach.
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• Don’t bring prohibited agricultural products home.
• Avoid contact with livestock or wildlife for at least five
days after returning.
FMD, which has not been seen in the U.S. since 1929, is
caused by a highly infectious virus that can cause death or
disabling blisters and sores in and around the mouth,
muzzle, teats, and feet of livestock with cloven or “split”
hooves. Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer are highly sus
ceptible, and can exhibit clinical disease signs after an incu
bation period of only three to eight days. To stop the spread,
affected or exposed animals must be slaughtered, then
burned or buried. Premises and equipment must be disin
fected to prevent the spread of FMD.
FMD could cause devastating economic damage in the
U.S. An outbreak would cost millions of dollars to fight, in
addition to the thousands of animals that would likely be
destroyed. Livestock markets would be closed. Normal flow
of animal products would be disrupted. Transportation of
animals would be restricted. Exports of beef and pork would
be embargoed. Population control might have to be estab
lished as a biosecurity measure if there is an outbreak. In the
end, no one - producer, consumer or taxpayer - would be
unaffected.
For more information on Foot and Mouth Disease, visit
the Department of Agriculture Homepage through the PA
Power Port at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.pda
.state.pa.us.
DAIRY
1-800-527-7675
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