A single case of FMD would affect every segment of the national multi-billion dollar animal and animal product export market. Consumers could lose confidence in the safety of meat food products. Prohibitions would be placed on the sale and international shipment of animals and animal products. Eradication costs are very high. All animals exposed to the virus must be destroyed to prevent the spread of disease. Vaccines provide only temporary protection, and re-vaccination is needed at six-month intervals. Vaccine use is limited to outbreaks only, and vaccinated animals must be slaughtered before international trade can be resumed. For at least three months after the eradication of an outbreak — or at least three months after the slaughter of the last vaccinated animal — an affected country is banned from shipping meat or meat products to international trading partners.
It is important to help keep FMD out. The United States has regulations in place to prevent the introduction of FMD-infected animals and animal products. But so did many of the currently affected countries. If you suspect a disease problem, report it immediately to your local veterinarian or regulatory animal health official. In the United Kingdom, the disease may have been present for three weeks prior to detection.
FMD spreads fast! Early detection and reporting are critical. Don't move animals that may be affected. Stop all visitors from entering your premises if you suspect a problem.
Take these precautions when traveling abroad:
• Avoid contact with animals or areas where animals have been held for at least five days before returning to the United States.
• Launder or dry clean all clothing, jackets, or coats prior to your trip home.
• If you have visited a farm abroad or have traveled to a farm or live or work on a farm in the U.S., shower, shampoo, and change into clean clothing.
• Wash or dry clean clothes — don't risk taking the FMD virus home on contaminated clothing.
•Remove all dirt or organic material from shoes, luggage, personal items, etc. Wipe the items with disinfectant.
• Don't bring prohibited products home.
• Avoid contact with livestock or wildlife for at least five days when you get home.
