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FMD is one of the most difficult animal infections to control. Because the disease occurs in many parts of the world, there is always a chance of its accidental introduction into the U.S. That chance has been heightened recently by a major outbreak in the United Kingdom that has already spread to continental Europe. The European Union is a major U.S. trading partner.
If an outbreak occurred in U.S., this disease could spread rapidly to all sections of the country by routine livestock movements unless it was detected early and eradicated immediately. Livestock producers are key to early detection and eradication.
The Illinois livestock industry is a major economic contributor to the state’s economy. Illinois’ nearly 2 million head of cattle, 4 million hogs, 120,000 dairy cows, and 74,000 sheep and goats consume hundreds of millions of dollars worth of animal feed each year. In terms of farms, the livestock industry in Illinois includes the following number of farms: 25,000 in cattle, 5,100 in pork, 1,477 in dairy, and 2,400 in sheep and goats. These do not include farms raising other hoofed animals like llamas, deer, elk, bison, etc. The total value of employment by the Illinois’ livestock industry is $3.4 billion.
Nationwide, the animal livestock sector contributes tens billions of dollars to the U.S. economy. Exports are also significant. For beef and pork and their variety meats alone, the U.S. exports nearly 2 million metric tons each year, valued at almost $5 billion. These numbers do not include exports of hides and skins, livestock genetics, and other products.
The FMD outbreak in the UK has already cost the British more than $10 billion and costs are escalating daily. If the U.S. were to face a severe outbreak of FMD, the costs of eradication and losses to the livestock industry would total billions of dollars. The best way to lessen these costs is through early detection and eradication.
The disease is caused by a virus that can persist in contaminated fodder and the environment for up to one month, depending on the temperature and pH conditions. There are at least seven separate types and many subtypes of the FMD virus. Immunity to one type does not protect an animal against other types. The outbreaks in the U.K. and the Netherlands have been traced to feeding uncooked food garbage (i.e., swill) to swine. In Illinois, we prohibit the feeding of food garbage, however, there are 2,724 licensed garbage feeders in the U.S.
FMD virus can be spread by animals, people or materials that bring the virus
into physical contact with susceptible animals. An outbreak can occur when:
· People wearing contaminated clothes or footwear or using contaminated
equipment to pass the virus to susceptible animals.
· Animals carrying the virus are introduced into susceptible herds.
· Contaminated facilities are used to hold susceptible animals.
· Contaminated vehicles are used to move susceptible animals.
· Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing infected meat or animal
products is fed to susceptible animals.
· Susceptible animals are exposed to materials such as hay, feedstuffs,
hides, or biologics contaminated with the virus.
· Susceptible animals drink common source contaminated water.
· A susceptible female is inseminated by semen from an infected male.
While there is a vaccine available for FMD, it is not a perfect solution for several reasons, including: 1) the vaccine must match the strain of each individual FMD outbreak, therefore, until an outbreak occurs and is confirmed, the appropriate vaccine may not be determined; 2) the vaccine is not very long-lasting and animals would need to be revaccinated in 4-6 months to prevent further spread; 3) the vaccine does not protect all animals from FMD; 4) once a nation vaccinates its animals for FMD, they are technically “carriers” of the disease and that nation loses it’s FMD-free status in terms of trading (exporting) its animals and animal products to other nations. In order to re-gain FMD-free status, that nation must destroy all vaccinated animals. Ninety days after that has occurred, that nation may again achieve FMD-free trade status.
Regarding vaccine availability, the federal government can currently provide 2 million doses of the relevant vaccine (once determined) per week. The nationwide requirement (should a large outbreak occur) is probably in the order of 80 million doses. The federal government would have to approve ratcheting up production of the vaccine as necessary.
USDA continues to work to safeguard American agriculture from foreign animal diseases like FMD. As part of this effort, USDA’s APHIS has certified more than 450 foreign animal disease diagnosticians located throughout the US to investigate every instance of potential foreign animal diseases.
USDA is urging livestock owners and private veterinary practitioners to report any unusual animal health symptoms to their local agricultural officials. The emergency number for Illinois producers is 217-782-4944 or they may call USDA’s APHIS information line at 800-601-9327. When an investigation is conducted, the location is placed under quarantine until laboratory tests confirm whether or not the condition is FMD.
If an outbreak is detected in the U.S., federal statutes for FMD eradication allow officials to seize animals, products, buildings, production tools, contaminated feed and fodder, etc. Any item requiring destruction must be appraised and an indemnity program must be in place before the government may destroy those items.
Illinois government agencies are actively engaged in meetings and activities at the local, state, and national level with state and national producer organizations and others involved in livestock production, transport, processing, etc. In addition, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and relevant agencies and offices are informed of and making input into the federal program for FMD eradication. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has had an Illinois Emergency Animal Disease Response Plan in place for a number of years. This state-level plan would be activated immediately should an outbreak occur or threaten Illinois. The Illinois Emergency Management Act (IEMA) gives statutory authority to the Governor and to the Director of Agriculture to act in event of an FMD outbreak.
Illinois producer associations are working to inform their members as quickly as possible about the symptoms and implications of the disease for individual producers, for Illinois, and for the nation. As noted earlier, early detection and eradication are absolutely critical to reducing costs associated with an outbreak of FMD in the U.S.
Producers and others can support U.S. efforts against FMD by:
The local emergency number for Illinois producers is 217-782-4944. Producers may also call USDA’s APHIS information line at 800-601-9327.
If FMD should appear in your animals, your report will set in motion an effective state and federal eradication program.
Farmers’ participation is vital. Both the early recognition of disease signs and the prompt notification of veterinary officials are essential if that warning is to prevent FMD from becoming established in the U.S. Or if it does become established and spreads, your help will reduce the time and money needed to wipe it out.
USDA has established a toll free number to respond to questions from the public, industry, and media regarding the agency’s response to the outbreak of FMD in Europe. The toll free number is: 1-800-601-9327. Members may also visit the USDA website for the APHIS at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/fmd for additional information.
The Illinois number for FMD questions is 217-782-4944.
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