Return to TFB Main Page
Return to Texas Agriculture Archive

June 1, 2001

TFB applauds changes in Operation Roving Sands

Texas Farm Bureau President Donald Patman has congratulated the Bush administration for limiting European participation in Operation Roving Sands, a military exercise that would have utilized equipment from European nations that have epidemics of foot-and-mouth disease.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced on May 11 that equipment slated to be used in Roving Sands, from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, would not be allowed to enter the U.S. Both countries have confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease.

"This step was very appropriate," said Patman. "Considering the value of the livestock industry in Texas and nationwide, it was too big of a risk. We appreciate this action very much."

In addition, German military equipment off-loading at the Port of Beaumont for the same military exercise failed the "white glove" test. Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-PPQ) rejected nearly half of the 66 pieces of wheeled equipment shipped to the U.S. for the joint military exercise. The equipment was scheduled to be inspected and placed on trains bound for the exercise site in western Texas and eastern New Mexico. Germany has no confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth.

Texas Animal Health officials indicated that all equipment would continue to undergo close scrutiny. Dr. Jerry Don Bell, a TAHC veterinarian stationed in Beaumont and a former career military officer, was dockside to observe the inspection procedure.

Patman said state leaders have been proactive in protecting the state's livestock industry.

"Governor Rick Perry and Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs were extremely helpful in solving this difficult issue. Nationally, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Congressman Martin Frost played a significant role in avoiding this unnecessary risk," Patman said. "These were extraordinary efforts to protect Texas agriculture."

Gov. Perry said the Pentagon made the right decision in not allowing equipment into Texas from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

"There is not a more patriotic and pro-military state than Texas. However, because of the European foot-and-mouth disease crisis, conducting this exercise in America's top beef producing state with heavy equipment from countries with confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease would have been an unnecessary risk," the governor said.

Ag Commissioner Combs said the voices of concerned farmers and ranchers were heard.

"The action shows that agriculture has a strong voice and that people do listen," Combs said. "Not allowing large military equipment from countries with confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth disease is an appropriate balance and the necessary action at this time.

"We truly support the military and their efforts in this vital training exercise and know that it is important for the military readiness of both U.S. and European troops," Combs continued. "But it is equally important not to take the chance of driving equipment across Texas and run the risk of foot-and-mouth contamination."

The Department of Defense will allow troops and man-portable equipment from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands to be air-landed after extreme precautions have been taken to ensure that any troops and personal equipment pose no threat of transmitting foot-and-mouth disease.