Q: What is foot and mouth disease?
A: A highly contagious virus that affects cloven-hooved animals, including swine, cattle, goats, sheep, and deer, the disease impairs livestock’s ability to grow, develop and produce milk. Although usually not fatal, an outbreak of foot and mouth disease bears enormous economic consequences to individual farmers and an entire cross-section of the agricultural sector. And while efforts to contain the disease carry broad repercussions to international trade and travel, precautionary measures to keep the disease isolated must be taken seriously. In places where the disease has been identified this year, including Great Britain and France, entire herds have been destroyed to stop the virus from spreading. Obviously, the United States wants to do whatever possible to protect American farmers and consumers by keeping the virus from reaching domestic soil. That’s why the USDA in March banned imported animals and animal products from the 15-member European Union. In cases like this, the United States has a strong track record when it comes to diligent inspections and compliance. The last reported case of foot and mouth disease in the United States was in 1929.
Q: What can Americans do to protect U.S. herds from becoming contaminated?
A: Travelers planning overseas trips to Europe should take extra precautions, especially if their itinerary takes them to the countryside. Some areas already are off-limits to travelers. The virus easily can transfer via shoes, clothing, luggage and cars. Consumers also should know that they themselves are not susceptible to the disease. The danger for humans to consider is that they can "carry" the virus. In today’s globe-trotting world, unwitting business and leisure travelers could spread the virus to every corner of the earth. That’s why it makes sense for the USDA to take preventive steps and exercise caution. This temporary ban on imported live animals and certain meat products from Europe will protect domestic producers and allow affected countries to contain and eradicate the virus before it gets out of hand. In the meantime, U.S. meat exports are expected to increase as other countries suspend European imports and look elsewhere for their meat supplies.