Foot and Mouth Disease: To Protect U.S Livestock, USDA Must Remain Vigilant and Resolve Outstanding Issues

Foot and Mouth Disease: To Protect U.S Livestock, USDA Must Remain Vigilant and Resolve Outstanding Issues

This report discusses the dangers to livestock of foot and mouth disease and whether or not we can prevent it in the US following an outbreak in the UK.

2002

We cannot completely eliminate the risk of FMD to US livestock due to inherent risk from international travel and trade, the virus's hardy nature, and the impossibility of inspecting every shipment, baggage, and person entering the country. Ensuring the rapid identification of an outbreak would be key to preventing its spread. USDA and APHIS need a formal route of communication with US customs about outbreaks abroad and at home.