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May 4, 2001

Foot-and-mouth
could be a visitor away

While USDA is focusing on additional steps to prevent foot-and mouth disease from entering this country, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) has issued some advice for agricultural producers that travel internationally.

First, USDA has authorized an additional $32 million to increase inspection personnel to protect against animal and plant disease like foot-and-mouth at major U.S. ports of entry. The authorization of the additional money allows the secretary to hire approximately 350 additional inspection personnel at critical ports and international airports.

Second, APHIS has announced the availability of fiscal year 2001 funds for a grant program for the National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS). NAHEMS is a comprehensive system that includes federal, state, and community governments, voluntary organizations, academic institutions and industry groups.

The goal of this program is to assist states in meeting and exceeding the NAHEMS state standards and to increase the level of animal health emergency preparedness for the entire United States.

Meanwhile, with over 1 million animals lost in Great Britain, France and the Netherlands since March, the TAHC is taking the foot-and-mouth threat seriously.

They have issued an "agricultural friendly" protocol for international travelers and visitors, livestock producers and other allied industries.

For example, before traveling to the U.S., TAHC recommends:

•For at least five days before travel to the U.S. don't go around farms, sale barns, zoos, fairs or other sites where livestock are kept.

•Bathe and shower prior to travel. Wear clean clothes that have not been near livestock, wildlife or other animals.

•Disinfect before you travel to the U.S. Tuck a bottle of vinegar (used full strength is effective and inexpensive) and a small cloth in your luggage to wipe down glasses, jewelry, watches, belts, hats, cell phones, hearing aids, camera bags, backpacks and purses before traveling.

•Scrape all mud, debris or soil from shoes. Disinfect all shoe surfaces with vinegar.

•If possible, wash or dry clean all clothing, including jackets, before traveling to the U.S., especially if you live on a ranch. If this isn't practical, clean your clothing as soon as possible when you get home. Don't re-wear clothes before they are washed or cleaned.

•Don't carry food or other prohibited items to the U.S.

Upon arrival to the U.S., TAHC recommends:

•Make a Customs declaration if you're carrying food products, or if you've visited a farm or ranch on your trip. Failure to declare food items can result in stiff fines. If you've visited a farm or ranch, officials can spray your boots to protect against the disease.

When you get home, TAHC recommends:

•Avoid livestock and wildlife at least five days upon arriving in the U.S., because it takes time for the FMD virus to be cleared from throat and nasal passages.

•If you didn't wash or dry clean clothing before traveling to the U.S., do it immediately upon returning home.

•If you live or work on a ranch, wash and dry clean clothing before you get home.

Finally, TAHC recommends you take additional precautions if you are welcoming international visitors to your ranch:

•Provide arriving travelers with a clean set of clothing that can be worn after showering.

•Wash or dry clean your visitors' clothes immediately.

•Provide shoes, or insist that your visitor wear shoes that have not been worn on a ranch in another country.

•Disinfect visitors' jewelry, eyeglasses, etc., or do not permit it to enter livestock facilities.

•Never allow meat or animal products from FMD-affected countries on your premise.

•In doubt, keep international visitors out.

All states and USDA are alert to investigate possible cases of FMD. Livestock owners, hunters and veterinarians are urged to report signs of excessive drooling, lameness or blistering on their animals.

In Texas, the USDA's Veterinary Services may be called at 512/916-5552 during normal working hours.

After hours, on weekends or holidays, call TAHC at 800-550-8242. A foreign disease diagnostician can be reached seven days a week, 24 hours a day.