Foot and Mouth Disease Prevention Information For Passengers Traveling Internationally

and Returning to the United States

In response to the increasing number of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks worldwide, travelers to the United States from overseas need to take steps to help prevent the accidental introduction of the disease into this country. As FMD is rapidly spreading throughout the world, it is important to take precautions even while traveling in countries that have not yet diagnosed this devastating disease.

FMD is not considered a human health risk or food safety hazard but humans can carry the virus on their clothing, shoes, body (particularly the throat and nasal passages) and personal items. The disease is extremely contagious and spreads easily among cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and deer. Introduction of FMD into this country would be disastrous to the American livestock industry and wildlife community. For this reason, all visits to farms or other livestock facilities in FMD infected areas and all food items and other materials of plant or animal origin in the travelers possession must be reported on the US Customs Declaration Form upon entering the country.

The following preventative measures should be taken by travelers to the United States from other countries:

1. Avoid farms, sale barns, stockyards, animal laboratories, slaughter plants, zoos, fairs or other animal facilities while in other countries if at all possible. Definitely refrain from visiting such locations within 5 days of your return to the United States.

2. Before travel to the United States, launder or dry-clean all clothing and outerwear. All dirt and soil should be removed from shoes by thorough cleaning, followed by wiping with a cloth dampened with a bleach solution. (5 teaspoons of household bleach in 1 gallon of water). Luggage and personal items (including watches, cameras, laptops, CD players and cell phones), if soiled, should be wiped with a cloth dampened with a bleach solution.

3. Report all visits to overseas farms and declare all food items purchased outside the United States to Customs Officials upon entering the United States. Under no circumstances should you attempt to bring meat items into this country.

4. Avoid contact with livestock or wildlife for 14 days after arrival in the United States.

Questions regarding these recommendations can be directed to Dr. David Marshall or Dr. Fred Kirkland at (919) 733-7601 or Dr. Beth Yongue at (919) 733-4136.