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Kevin Herglotz (202) 720-4623
Jerry Redding (202) 720-6959

USDA CONTINUES VIGILANCE AGAINST FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2001-- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today said the USDA will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to prevent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) from entering the United States, including intensified scrutiny and inspections at ports of entry and a temporary import prohibition of swine, ruminants and products that could potentially carry the virus from the European Union and other countries that have confirmed cases of this animal disease.

In a get-acquainted meeting, European Union Commissioner David Byrne and Secretary Veneman discussed many issues of interest including trade, biotechnology, and the current FMD situation. The meeting was very productive and both look forward to working together on various issues in the future.

"We had a very productive and cordial meeting today," said Secretary Veneman. "We discussed a wide range of issues important to our countries and we look forward to working together and continuing to strengthen relationships."

Among other important issues, they discussed the current FMD situation in Europe and the current U.S. temporary prohibition of certain products from the European Union. The Secretary gave no indication of a regionalization or lifting of the temporary restrictions at this time.

"This is a very difficult situation, and we certainly recognize the extensive efforts that the EU and the member states are taking to control the current outbreak," said Veneman. "We will continue reviewing our policies but remain concerned about the spread of FMD within the EU and the risk of introduction into the United States. Given the current situation, we are not prepared to lift any restrictions at this time."

The United States continues to safeguard American agriculture from FMD and all other foreign animal diseases. Since the outbreak of the disease in parts of Europe and other countries, USDA has strengthened its protections, which include:

Establishing an emergency operations center to coordinate communications, answer technical questions, and provide consumer/traveler information about FMD and other related issues. Toll-free numbers include: Technical questions 1-800- 601-9327; Consumer/Traveler Hotline: 1-866-SAFGUARD.
Heightened alert and increased inspections at ports of entry, borders, and airports to ensure passengers, luggage, and cargo are checked as appropriate. This includes redirecting 150 inspectors to critical ports of entry and plans are underway to double the number of dog teams at airports to check incoming flights and passengers. USDA currently has nearly 2,000 inspection personnel assigned to these facilities and ports of entry.
Heightened alert and increased coordination of programs in states across the country. USDA has more than 450 veterinary officials throughout the country that partner with state and local agriculture officials to ensure appropriate protections are in place to prevent the entry and potentially detect FMD in the United States. USDA has been coordinating and meeting regularly with appropriate federal, state, industry and university officials since the recent FMD cases were discovered. These groups include regional USDA officials, Customs, Defense, state agriculture and veterinary officials, university experts, and airline/travel industry representatives.
Prohibiting travelers from Europe and other FMD countries from carrying into the United States any agricultural products, particularly animal products, that could spread FMD. Violations could result in penalties of up to $1,000. Passengers are required to identify any visits to farms or rural areas to Customs and USDA officials. All travelers/baggage are subject to inspection by USDA/Customs officials and dog teams and disinfection of footwear/clothing may be required for some travelers.
Dispatching teams of experts, including 40 Federal, State, and university veterinarians, to the United Kingdom to assist in surveillance and eradication of FMD.
Heightened awareness and monitoring the FMD situation worldwide to ensure proper protections are in place in other countries that have confirmed cases of the animal disease.
Implementing a renewed public education campaign for travelers that includes additional signage/information in airports, public service announcements, information hotlines, and an extensive website with public information about this important issue and steps that can be taken to prevent FMD and other exotic diseases and pests from entering the United States.

USDA continues to review its current APHIS programs and staffing to ensure appropriate resources are available to prevent the entry of FMD into the United States, both short and long- term. USDA continues to review emergency operations plans to ensure appropriate response mechanisms are in place (federal/state) to act quickly if FMD were ever to enter the United States. This includes continuing ongoing research, including possible vaccination methods, increased surveillance and regulatory controls.

While FMD does not pose a health risk to humans, it is highly contagious to livestock and could cost billions in containment and eradication if detected in the United States.

FMD is a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of ruminants and swine. The United States has been free of FMD since 1929. FMD is one of the animal diseases that livestock owners dread most because it spreads widely and rapidly and because it has grave economic consequences.

Current information on foot-and-mouth disease and traveler questions and answers are available on the Internet at http://www.usda.gov/.