Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network


SAFEFOOD NEWS - Winter/Spring 2001 - Vol 5, No. 2/3

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Keep Foot and Mouth Disease Out of America

One only has to view television scenes of thousands of cattle, sheep and pigs being destroyed in the United Kingdom to realize how devastating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) could be to the farm and food industry if it hit here. In an effort to keep FMD out of America, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Agricultural Commission have adopted a number of regulations.

These precautions include a temporary restriction on the importation of all live ruminants and swine and their products from all European Union (EU) member states and Argentina. Importation of live ruminants and their products had previously been banned from all EU member states due to the risk associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Other measures include stepped-up inspection and disinfection of incoming international travelers at airports, increased cleaning and disinfection of military vehicles and farm equipment prior to entry to the U.S., a temporary prohibition on the importation of used farm equipment from all FMD import restricted countries, and an extensive public education campaign regarding steps that can be taken to prevent FMD and other exotic diseases and pests from entering the U.S.

FMD is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of ruminants and swine that causes physical blisters or sores in the mouth and on the feet of infected animals. It is caused by a virus that replicates itself in the blisters of infected animals. When the blisters erupt, the animals produce large amounts of infective aerosols, which can be carried by air currents for up to 40 miles. Animals, people and equipment that come in contact with the virus can then spread it to susceptible animals, even though they may not be infected. Susceptible animals include all cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, swine, goats, deer, and elk. Horses and humans are not susceptible to the disease, but can spread the virus to susceptible animals. See the attached fact sheet on Foot and Mouth Disease. According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the virus can remain in the human nasal passage for as long as 28 hours. It can also be carried in uncooked or under-processed meat, fat and dairy products. It can survive in some of these products for over a year and can survive in clothing for up to 46 days at room temperature. Disinfectants that are effective against the FMD virus include 4% sodium carbonate, 2% sodium hydroxide (which is very caustic), and 0.2% citric acid.

The Colorado State Veterinarian's office has provided the following guidelines for travelers from or returning from FMD infected regions of the world, including all countries in the European Union:

• Do not go near cattle, sheep, pigs or deer (no matter where you are), and never feed farm animals. If you find yourself near these animals, walk away from them.
• Do not go on farmland which has been or is being used by livestock.
• Do not leave any waste food in open countryside or on farmland.
• Do not use footpaths (hiking paths) that are closed. In areas close to infected farms, local authorities may have closed footpaths (hiking paths). You must obey these closures.
• Do not let your dog (if you have taken your pet with you) off its lead as it may cause animal movements.
• Wear clothing and shoes that you can leave there when you return to the U.S.

• Leave clothes and shoes there and wear new (not worn there) clothing and shoes to the U.S.
• Immediately upon arrival in U.S., soak clothing in straight vinegar, wash and then dry in clothes dryer.
• Clean shoes removing all dirt and organic material (dispose of material in a sealed plastic bag).
• Thoroughly wet shoes with vinegar waiting several minutes before rinsing and store in a dry place for several weeks.
• Shower - thoroughly wash hair and body.
• Do not have any contact with livestock for 10 days following return.
• Do not bring food items with you, especially those containing meat and dairy items.

FMD is so feared in the U.S. that Congress passed legislation in the 1950's which makes it illegal to possess live FMD virus on the U. S. mainland, even in the form of vaccines. USDA's Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) in New York is home to scientists who search for new vaccines against this disease. PIADC houses the FMD vaccine bank supported by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. To date, the vaccines that are available do not prevent an animal from getting infected, they just prevent that animal from getting sick. In fact, vaccinated animals that get infected later can be long-time carriers of the disease.

Additional information on FMD can be found at the following websites:

• www.usda.gov
• www.aphis.usda.gov
• www.footandmouth.colostate.edu

Copies of the Colorado Department of Agriculture press release and Colorado Foot and Mouth Prevention & Response Protocol can be accessed from the Colorado Department of Agriculture's website: http://www.ag.state.co.us/animals/animals.html. USDA also has set up two toll-free numbers. For technical questions, call 1-800-601-9327; for consumer/traveler information call, 1-866-SAFGUARD.

Sources: 1) USDA Continues Vigilance Against Foot and Mouth Disease, USDA News Release, March 28, 2001. 2) Animal Health Update, CDA's State Veterinarian's Office, March 8, 2001. 3) Foot-and-Mouth Disease. USDA, APHIS Veterinary Services Fact Sheet, March 2001. 4) Foot & Mouth Disease Precautions for Travelers. Colo Dept of Agriculture, April 4, 2001. 5) Alcatraz for Animal Disease. Agricultural Research Magazine, December 1995. (www.usda.gov/special/alcatraz/alcatraz.htm)

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