ATTENTION FARM EDITOR/DIRECTOR

NEWS RELEASE

For Further Information

Contact: Sara M. Grell

(402) 471-6856

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STATE AG DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH USDA

TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF DISEASE

LINCOLN - Producers and consumers should be confident in the procedures being taken to fight the spread of Foot-And-Mouth Disease (FMD), Nebraska Director of Agriculture Merlyn Carlson said today as the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) continues to work with its federal counterparts to prevent the introduction of FMD in Nebraska and the United States.

“Although there is no human health risk involved, everyone should be aware of the seriousness of Foot-And-Mouth Disease and the devastation it would cause to our livestock industry if it is brought here,” Carlson said. “We are working in concert with our counterparts at USDA to protect our state and our industry from this destructive animal disease.”

Since the initial outbreak in the United Kingdom on February 20 and subsequent outbreaks in other European countries, thousands of animals have been destroyed in an effort to halt the spread of the disease. FMD is a highly transmissible viral disease of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, deer, and other cloven-hoofed animals. People do not get sick from exposure to FMD, but may transport the virus unknowingly in and on their bodies and clothes.

NDA is working along with Governor Mike Johanns to develop plans and procedures should FMD spread into the United States and into Nebraska. NDA officials are also working in conjunction with the National State Departments of Agriculture, state veterinarians, and other federal government officials to review and make recommendations to USDA to further assist in efforts to prevent the disease.

Nebraska state senators have also debated legislation — LB 438— that would allow state agencies to continue forging quick action plans to deal with foreign animal diseases such as FMD.

Carlson also reiterated the importance of the precautions international travelers should take against inadvertently spreading FMD into the United States. Biosecurity measures such as no contact with farms or animals for five days after their return to the United States, and disinfecting clothes, shoes, and other items, are strongly encouraged.

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of taking these precautions on our farms and in our travels,” Carlson said. “We live in a global society where world issues become our issues here at home and it is important that we have a heightened awareness.”

Anyone with questions or concerns about FMD are encouraged to contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at (402) 471-2351.

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