March 16, 2001

Contact: Karen R. Cooper, APR

406-444-9431

MONTANA WORKING WITH USDA ON FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

Montana’s State Veterinarian and officials of other states are working closely with USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to keep current on the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Europe.

Portions of the United Kingdom, and most recently France, have become infected with FMD, a highly contagious and economically devastating disease of cloven hoofed animals such as swine, cattle, sheep, goats and deer.

Due to the close ties that both Canada and the United States have with these countries, the USDA APHIS has heightened its awareness of the FMD risk. “We are in regular communication with USDA APHIS and we receive updates on a daily basis on what is happening regarding this disease,” said Montana’s State Veterinarian Dr. Arnold Gertonson. APHIS is responsible for the prevention of the introduction of foreign animal diseases in the U.S.

“Montana’s concern with FMD is primarily related to the importation of animals from foreign countries,” said Gertonson. “In any countries where FMD exists, restrictions on importation of meat and meat products or live animals are in place.”

Montana Department of Livestock records dating back to 1907 do not show any cases of foot-and-mouth disease. The United States has been free of FMD since 1929.

Foot-and-mouth disease is caused by a virus and can be airborne or spread by animals, people or materials that bring the virus into physical contact with susceptible animals. There is no treatment for the disease at this time. Blisters followed by erosions in the mouth or on the feet and the resulting slobbering or lameness are the best known signs of the disease.

Montana has 28,000 farms and ranches, 2.6 million cattle, 370,000 sheep, and 150,000 hogs. Producers can support USDA efforts against FMD by watching for excessive salivating, lameness and other signs of FMD in their herd and immediately reporting any unusual or suspicious signs of disease to their veterinarian.

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