UDAF Advises Livestock Owners to Guard Against Foot and Mouth Disease

Salt Lake City, Utah-State Veterinarian, Dr. Michael R. Marshall request today that Utah livestock owners take particular care to inspect their herds and guard against the introduction of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). This advisory follows the March 13, 2001 announcement by the USDA that the United States banned imports of swine and ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats and cervidae) and many animal products from the European Union because of a FMD outbreak there.

"Foot-and-Mouth Disease does not affect people, yet it is one of the most economically-damaging livestock disease in the world," said Dr. Marshall. "An outbreak can cost billions of dollars to fight, and thousands of animals can be lost. We cannot afford to be complacent," Marshall added.

Utah and the rest of the nation have been free of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) since 1929.

Livestock owners are advised to regularly inspect their herds for any symptoms of disease, and take precautions to protect herds from possible contamination. That means limiting vehicle traffic and visitor access to your animals and property, thorough cleaning and disinfection of clothing, footwear and equipment, and keeping new animals isolated for two weeks prior to adding them to the existing herd.

If you've traveled internationally, don't risk carrying disease home to your herd. Stay away from livestock for at least one week after your return. Disinfect your boots and wash your clothes before working with your livestock.

"Most importantly, livestock owners should report any symptoms of the disease in their animals immediately to their local, state or federal veterinarian," Marshall added.

Though there have been 26 outbreaks around the world since 1997, the most recent outbreaks in Great Britain (encompassing England, Wales and Scotland) and France are of particular concern because of the extensive movement of people and products between the United States and these European Union Countries.

FMD, which has not been seen in the U.S. since it was eradicated in l929, is caused by a highly infectious virus that can cause death or debility. Symptoms include blisters (vesicles) and sores (erosions) in and around the mouth, muzzle, teats and feet of animals with cloven or "split" hooves. Cattle, pigs, sheep and goats are highly susceptible, and can exhibit clinical disease signs after an incubation period of only three to five days. The disease also affects wildlife such as deer and elk, and feral swine.

People who have worked around or been near infected animals or on an affected premise, or who smuggle illegal meat products through customs, can inadvertently carry and spread the virus. The virus can also be spread by equipment, cars, clothing, shoes, food items, or even by surviving for a short time in the human respiratory system. We are particularly concerned about the innocent traveler who may unwittingly bring the virus in after travelling abroad.

To stop the spread of FMD, infected or exposed animals must be destroyed, then burned or buried. Premises and equipment must also be disinfected to prevent the spread of the disease.

FMD is currently affecting four of the world's seven continents: Asia, Africa, South America and Europe, leaving only North America, Australia and Antarctica free of the disease.

For more information on FMD visit USDA's FMD information page.

Posted 16 Mar 2001