Sam Groce
Agricultural Agent, Livestock
Dr. David Marshall, North Carolina's state veterinarian,
is cautioning livestock industry representatives and other
citizens to
aid in the effort to prevent the introduction of Foot and
Mouth
disease (FMD) into the country.
Foot and Mouth disease is a highly contagious viral
disease
that affects all cloven hoofed animals, including swine,
cattle,
sheep, goats, and deer. Clinical signs include blisters and
sores on the
mouth, tongue, lips, teats, and between and around the
claws. While not
always fatal, animals that survive become debilitated , lose
production capacity, and can serve as viral shedders in
spreading the
disease. Humans are not infected, and there is no treatment
or approved
vaccine for animal use.
"Foot and mouth disease is probably considered as
the
most devastating of all livestock diseases, primarily
because of it's
highly infectious nature and the ability to infect multiple
species,"
said Marshall. "We are extremely concerned here in
North Carolina for
a variety of reasons. Our large swine population, as well as
the
presence of numerous military bases puts us at high risk. In
addition, a
fair amount of our population travel overseas and we have a
widespread international
trade presence in meat and meat food items, as well as other
agricultural
products. The contagious nature of it is evident as we have
seen it spread
from one source premises in England on February 19th to the
entirety of
the United Kingdom, Belgium, and suspected cases in France
and Denmark in
a matter of weeks."
While the USDA has issued a ban on the importation of
animals
and animal related products from all countries with FMD,
there are a
variety of ways that it could enter the country. The virus
can be
mechanically transmitted on people's shoes, clothes, other
personal
effects, and equipment. It can remain airborne and spread up
to a radius
of approximately 40 miles. In addition, the feeding of
contaminated
food items and waste food products is a major source of
spread. " I
am particularly concerned with the introduction of the virus
by animals
and products originating in FMD affected countries entering
the
US secondarily through non infected countries," said
Marshall.
"It would be prudent to be wary of any imported
agricultural or meat
food product during this high risk
period."
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services is recommending the following precautions as an aid
in
preventing introduction:
"While a safety net is in place to aid in the
prevention of
the introduction of this virus, the nature of this disease
makes it
vitally important that all North Carolinians, particularly
those who
travel internationally and are involved in the agricultural
industry,
become educated and aid in the effort on the local
level," said
Marshall. "This is a situation to be overly cautious
and not take
anything for granted."
Livestock owners are asked to be especially observant of
the
health status of their animals and investigate any animal
showing
clinical signs suggestive of FMD. Signs include blisters or
sores on
the muzzle, feet, teats, or mouth; lameness associated with
foot lesions;
or lack of appetite or excessive slobbering associated with
mouth
lesions. While other diseases can cause similar clinical
signs,
anything suspicious should be pursued through veterinary
examination.
Producers and veterinarians are encouraged to report any
suspicious case
to the NCDA&CS, Veterinary Division at (919) 733-
7601.