Statement
Regarding
Foot and Mouth Disease in the United States
The United States remains free of Foot and Mouth Disease since 1929, which has been in many parts of the world for centuries. In our ever-growing global agricultural community, it is especially important to continue to take the appropriate measures to prevent the disease from entering the United States.
The National Western Stock Show has been actively interacting with Federal and State Animal Health officials to determine what precautions can be taken to protect the large number of livestock that will be concentrated at our event.
Foot and Mouth Disease affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, bison, swine, sheep, goats and elk. The health certification requirements will be enforced and will be examined before an animal is allowed to unload. Llamas have a lower susceptibility but can be infected. The virus does not affect horses, but they are able to 'carry' or spread the virus. Even dogs from a known FMD country that originate from rural areas or those that have contact with cloven hoofed animals from a known FMD countries will be denied entrance into Colorado unless the animal is accompanied by Colorado Companion Animal Entry Permit and follow a rigid set of protocols established by the Colorado State Veterinarian.
Personnel from the Colorado State Veterinarian's office and federally accredited veterinarians will examine all the animals that will attend the show in addition to daily inspections on grounds during the event. Humans also can spread the virus. Many people visit our show from foreign countries. The following precautions are recommended to travelers from foreign countries with FMD, including all nations in the European Union:
- Leave all used clothes shoes at your nation of origin and wear new clothing and shoes to the United States.
- Immediately upon arrival in the U.S., soak clothing in salt vinegar, wash and then dry in a cloths dryer.
- Clean shoes removing all dirt and organic material. Dispose of this material in a sealed plastic bag.
- Thoroughly wet shoes with vinegar waiting several minutes before rinsing and store in a dry place for several weeks.
- Shower - thoroughly wash hair and body.
- Avoid contact with livestock for 10 after travel
- Do not bring food items
The Colorado State Veterinarians Office will contact officials of FMD countries known to have visitors attending the National Western Stock Show, including cattle breed associations. These associations are aware of the National Western Stock Show's FMD protocol. The National Western Stock Show has also communicated this protocol to the Association of Travel Agents.
The National
Western Stock Show is taking these precautions to do our part in protecting
the livestock industry. For more information on Foot and Mouth Disease,
visit the United States Department of Agriculture's FMD page at: http://www.usda.gov/special/fmd/fmd.html.