HomeMy WebLinkAbout20011888.tiff SCOTT MclNNIS WASHINGTON OFFICE
3D DISTRICT,COLORADO 320 CANNON BUILDING
WASHINGTON,DC 20515-0603
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GRAND JUNCTION,0081501
19701245-7107
July 3 , 2001 FAX:19701245-2194
1060 MAIN AVENUE
102
OURANGO,CO 81301
The Hon. Mike Geile RANG CO 54
Weld County Commissioners FAX 197012542762
526 PINE STREET
915 10th Street sugEm
INESTR
Greeley, Colorado 80631-1117 GLENWOOD SPRINGS CO81601
19701928-0637
FAX 19701928-0630
Dear Commissioner Geile:
In your role as a County Commissioner, each day you come into
contact with any number of constituents who are involved in agriculture.
Moreover, in the next few months, almost every county in Colorado will
hold a county fair or other similar event where livestock is gathered
together in close proximity. With that in mind, I have gathered together
some information regarding two distinct but equally serious diseases that
affect livestock, Foot and Mouth (or Hoof and Mouth) disease, and BSE,
more commonly known as Mad Cow disease. I wanted to take this
opportunity to forward the information onto you. In your role in your
community, any chance you have to pass along this information would help
increase awareness about the diseases without causing undue concern.
Because of the quality controls the U.S. has on feed for livestock,
which is how Mad Cow or BSE is spread, Foot and Mouth disease is the
greater concern for Colorado and the U.S . When you are speaking with
ranchers, hog farmers or others involved in raising livestock, please
encourage them to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of Foot and
Mouth disease. Failure to recognize the disease, or ignoring it, can be
devastating. Without prompt action, in three days tnis disease can
spread from one animal to the whole herd and neighboring herds, requiring
every animal be killed. If unchecked, in two weeks Foot and Mouth
disease could spread across the country. Obviously, a sizable local
outbreak would cripple the agricultural economy of a county and
dramatically impact the State of Colorado. Please encourage anyone who
has the slightest suspicion that livestock may be displaying Foot and
Mouth disease symptoms to contact the USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) hotline at (800) 940-6524, or the Colorado
Veterinarian Dr. Wayne Cunningham, at (303) 239-4161.
I hope you find this information useful . I am committed to
maintaining strong communications with the people of Colorado, and
appreciate your unique role in that process .
Sincerely,
C-1-1/4.11"S"'""s""Imman
Scott McInnis
Member of Congress
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7 /,` t7/ RINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 2001-1888
Page 1 of 3
SDA
United States Department of Agriculture
National Food and Agriculture Council
MEMORANDUM June 12,2001
TO: All Employees
FROM: James R. Little
Chair,National Food and
Agriculture Council(NFAC)
SUBJECT: On Guard Against Foot-and-Mouth
Disease
The Department of Agriculture's (USDA)National Food and Agriculture
Council (NFAC) leads USDA's efforts to coordinate certain activities across
mission areas and agency lines. The recent international outbreak of Foot-and-
Mouth Disease(FMD)underscores the threat of foreign animal and plant
diseases to America's food safety and supply. The threat of FMD is,indeed, an
interagency concern requiring cooperative involvement of many USDA agencies
and its public and private sector partners.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle and swine, as well as sheep,
goats, deer, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants. Although rarely transmissible to
humans,FMD is devastating to livestock and has critical economic
consequences with potentially severe losses in the production and marketing of
meat and milk.
The disease is difficult to control and has occurred in over 60 percent of the
world. In today's highly mobile environment there is a chance of FMD's
accidental introduction and dissemination in the United States. If FMD were to
spread unchecked here,the cost of containment and eradication could reach
billions of dollars causing extraordinary economic damage, as well as,untold
psychological stress to farmers and ranchers.
USDA continues to safeguard American agriculture from foreign pests and
diseases with increased port inspections,temporary import bans,heightened
monitoring of domestic livestock, and other stringent precautionary measures.
Producers and their local veterinarians are the first-line of defense against the
foreign threat of FMD. Rapid detection of the disease and response is essential.
Many of us who work in USDA as first-line contacts with agricultural producers
can help prevent the spread of FMD and other foreign animal and plant diseases
and learn to detect them. But,there is more we can do. As the NFAC Chairman,
I request that USDA employees and our cooperating partners follow these basic
guidelines:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/find/fmdmemo.html 06/28/2001
Page 2 of 3
Become educated on the basics of FMD by visiting the Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service website at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov.This site details the
causes, signs, effects,prevention, and control of FMD and other animal and plant
diseases. Be aware that FMD can be confused with several similar,but less
harmful, diseases.
Assist USDA and State agencies in distributing newsletters,press releases, and
other media advisories to assure producers and the general public of USDA's
proactive stance against FMD. Respect producers'concerns by making meeting
arrangements or appointments before going to their property.Avoid livestock
areas when possible.
Minimize the risk of introducing or spreading FMD and other diseases by
following recommended APHIS or other veterinarian guidelines. If needed, field
offices should purchase a minimum supply of disposable shoe covers,
disinfectants, or other supplies for use on certain farm and ranch visits. Agencies
may provide more specific job related instructions.
Immediately report signs of a possible foreign animal or plant disease to a local
APHIS/Veterinary Services office at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov or the State
Veterinarian's office.
In field offices, display fact sheets and information available on the APHIS
website about FMD. Maintain phone numbers of state veterinarians and
APHIS/Veterinary Services Area Veterinarian in Charge in each State.
In the event of an FMD outbreak, follow USDA emergency procedures found on
the APHIS website. State and Federal agencies will provide additional specific
measures.
As USDA employees,we know the importance of a secure livelihood for our
producers and a safe, abundant food supply for our entire Nation. Your
participation is vital. Follow the guidelines above to ensure that the United States
remains FMD-free.
1400 Independence Avenue,SW STOP 0199
Washington, DC 20250-0199 TEL(202)720 5238 FAX(202)720 6101
USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race,color,
national origin,gender, religion,age,disability, political beliefs,sexual orientation,and marital
or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who
require alternative means for communication of program information(Braille, large print,
audiotape,etc.)should contact USDA's TARGET Center at(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).To
file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA, Director,Office of Civil Rights,Room 326-W,
Whitten Building,14th and Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call
(202) 720-5964(voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/find/findmemo.html 06/28/2001
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Disease Prevention For these reasons,APHIS suggests that
U.S. agricultural event planners follow several guidelines
Guidelines for J to minimize any risk of disease spread from animal to
animal,or human to animal, at the event site:
Livestock Shows • Require veterinary exams of all animals
7 - participating or being shown in the event to
Agricultural Fairs, and ensure that only healthy animals are exhibited.
• Advise event attendees who have been on a farm
Other Agriculture- in an FMD-affected country within the last 5 days
to avoid animal exhibits and any other interaction
Related Events with animals at the event.
• Implement and practice effective biosecurity
measures at the event site, including
The increasing number of foot-and-mouth discouraging visitors(through the use of fencing,
disease (FMD)outbreaks worldwide highlights the signs, and monitors)from touching or petting
many dangers associated with foreign animal exhibited animals,except at designated petting
diseases. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection exhibits.
Service(APHIS),working in conjunction with its State • Prohibit the public from eating and drinking in
and industry partners since 1929, has effectively animal exhibit areas, and prevent the public from
safeguarded U.S. livestock resources from FMD. In feeding human food to animals.
response to the recent outbreaks of FMD in Europe, • Ensure that an accredited veterinarian routinely
South America,and elsewhere around the world, inspects animals for clinical signs of FMD
APHIS has taken additional precautionary measures throughout the duration of the event. Clinical
to further ensure that FMD does not spread to the signs include blisters or vesicles in or on the
United States. These precautionary efforts are mouths,tongues, gums, hooves,and feet of
supported and augmented by the strong infected animals.
safeguarding system APHIS has in place to monitor • Advise producers and owners to isolate their
for and respond to any foreign animal disease animals for a minimum of 5 days after the event
detections across the country. and consult with their veterinarian on proper
In general, because the risk of disease ways of reintroducing the animals into
transmission can increase whenever large numbers established herds or flocks.
of animals and people interact at shows,fairs, and Veterinarians should immediately report any
other events,APHIS needs the continued assistance suspicious symptoms to APHIS and State officials.
of event organizers to help prevent the spread of APHIS,working in conjunction with private veterinary
animal disease. Especially at this time, event practitioners and other animal health cooperators,
organizers need to be aware that humans can carry thoroughly investigates all possible foreign animal
the FMD virus on their clothing,shoes, bodies disease detections. APHIS can respond immediately
(particularly the throat and nasal passages),and if an emergency situation arises.
personal items. FMD is extremely contagious and For more information,event organizers may wish
spreads easily among cloven-hoofed animals such as to contact APHIS'Emergency Operations Center
cattle,sheep,pigs, goats,and deer. Introduction of (AEOC). AEOC has been on heightened alert
FMD into the United States would be disastrous to because of recent FMD detections around the world.
the American livestock industry and could also impact
susceptible wildlife populations.
Officials staffing AEOC can answer any questions
event organizers may have about the precautions
that should be taken against FMD. AEOC's toll-free
telephone number is(800)601-9327.
In addition, event organizers may also wish to
contact APHIS'Area Veterinarian in Charge for their
State or the appropriate State Veterinarian for more
information. Contact information for APHIS'Area
Veterinarian in Charge for a particular State can be
obtained by accessing APHIS'Web site at
www.aphis.usda.gov. Once connected to the site,
click on the animal health heading under the
functions title. The ensuing page contains a link in
the upper right-hand corner of the page to a complete
listing of area APHIS offices.
For Further Information Contact
USDA,APHIS,Veterinary Services
Emergency Programs
4700 River Road, Unit 41
Riverdale, Maryland 20737-1231
Telephone: (301)734-8073
Fax: (301)734-7817
APHIS Emergency Operations Center
Telephone: (800)601-9327
e-mail:emoc@aphis.usda.gov
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Foot-and-Mouth • Contaminated vehicles are used to move
susceptible animals.
Disease • Raw or improperly cooked garbage containing
infected meat or animal products is fed to susceptible
Foot-and-mouth disease(FMD)is a severe, animals.
highly communicable viral disease of cattle and - • Susceptible animals are exposed to materials such
swine. It also affects sheep, goats,deer, and other as hay, feedstuffs, hides, or biologics contaminated
cloven-hooved ruminants. FMD is not recognized as with the virus.
a zoonotic disease. • Susceptible animals drink common source
This country has been free of FMD since 1929, contaminated water.
when the last of nine U.S.outbreaks was eradicated. • A susceptible cow is inseminated by semen from
The disease is characterized by fever and blister- an infected bull.
like lesions followed by erosions on the tongue and
lips, in the mouth,on the teats, and between the Signs
hooves. Many affected animals recover, but the Vesicles(blisters)followed by erosions in the
disease leaves them debilitated. It causes severe mouth or on the feet and the resulting slobbering or
losses in the production of meat and milk. lameness are the best known signs of the disease.
Because it spreads widely and rapidly and Often blisters may not be observed because they
because it has grave economic as well as clinical easily rupture, leading to erosions.
consequences, FMD is one of the animal diseases Some of these other signs may appear in
that livestock owners dread most. affected animals during an FMD outbreak:
• Temperatures rise markedly,then usually fall in
What Causes It about 2 to 3 days.
The disease is caused by a virus. The virus • Ruptured vesicles discharge either clear or cloudy
survives in lymph nodes and bone marrow at neutral fluid and leave raw, eroded areas surrounded by
pH, but destroyed in muscle when in pH<6.0 i.e. after ragged fragments of loose tissue.
rigor mortis. The virus can persist in contaminated • Sticky,foamy, stringy saliva is produced.
fodder and the environment for up to one month, • Consumption of feed is reduced because of painful
depending on the temperature and pH conditions. tongue and mouth lesions.
There are at least seven separate types and • Lameness with reluctance to move is often
many subtypes of the FMD virus. Immunity to one observed.
type does not protect an animal against other types. • Abortions often occur.
• Milk flow of infected cows drops abruptly.
How It Spreads • Conception rates may be low.
FMD viruses can be spread by animals, people, • FMD can lead to myocarditis (inflammation of the
or materials that bring the virus into physical contact muscular walls of the heart)and death, especially in
with susceptible animals. An outbreak can occur newborn animals.
when: Animals do not normally regain lost weight for
• People wearing contaminated clothes or footwear many months. Recovered cows seldom produce milk
or using contaminated equipment pass the virus to at their former rates.
susceptible animals.
• Animals carrying the virus are introduced into Confusion With Other Diseases
susceptible herds. FMD can be confused with several similar,but
• Contaminated facilities are used to hold less harmful, diseases,such as vesicular stomatitis,
susceptible animals. bluetongue, bovine viral diarrhea,and foot rot in
cattle,vesicular exanthema of swine,and swine What You Can Do
vesicular disease. Whenever mouth or feet blisters You can support U.S.efforts against FMD by:
or other typical signs are observed and reported, • Watching for slobbering, lameness, and other
laboratory tests must be completed to determine signs of FMD in your herd;and
whether the disease causing them is FMD. • Immediately reporting any unusual or suspicious
signs of disease to your veterinarian,to State or
Where FMD Occurs Federal animal disease control officials,or to your
While the disease is widespread around the county agricultural agent.
world, North America,Central America,Australia, If FMD should appear in your animals,your
New Zealand, Chile, and some countries in Europe report will set in motion an effective State and
are considered free of FMD.Various types of FMD Federal eradication program.
virus have been identified in Africa,South America, Your participation is vital. Both the early
Asia,and part of Europe. recognition of disease signs and the prompt
notification of veterinary officials are essential if
Prevention and Control eradication is to be carried out successfully. Your
FMD is one of the most difficult animal infections waming may prevent FMD from becoming
to control. Because the disease occurs in many parts -established in the United States,or, if it does spread,
of the world,there is always a chance of its reduce the time and money needed to wipe it out.
accidental introduction into the United States.
Animals and animal byproducts from areas Additional Information
known to be infected are prohibited entry into this For more information about FMD, contact
country. USDA,APHIS,Veterinary Services
Livestock animals in this country are highly Emergency Programs
susceptible to FMD viruses. If an outbreak occurred 4700 River Road, Unit 41
in the United States,this disease could spread Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
rapidly to all sections of the country by routine Telephone(301) 734-8073
livestock movements unless it was detected early Fax(301)734-7817
and eradicated immediately.
If FMD were to spread unchecked,the economic The APHIS Emergency Operations Center
impact could reach billions of dollars in the first year. (800)940-6524
Deer and wildlife populations could become infected e-mail: emoc@aphis.usda.gov
rapidly and could be a source for reinfection of
livestock. Current information on animal diseases and
suspected outbreaks is also available on the Internet
at http://www.aphis.usda.gov.
The U.S.Department of Agriculture(USDA)prohibits Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of (202)720-5964(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
race,color,national origin,gender,religion,age,disability,political provider and employer.
beliefs,sexual orientation,or marital or family status. (Not all
prohibited bases apply to ail programs.) Persons with disabilities Mention of companies or commercial products does not imply
who require alternative means for communication of program recommendation or endorsement by the U.S.Department of
information(Braille,large print,audiotape,eta)should contact Agriculture over others not mentioned. USDA neither guarantees
USDA's TARGET Center at(202)720-2600(voice and TDD). nor warrants the standard of any product mentioned. Product
names are mentioned solely to report factually on available data
To file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,Office and to provide specific information.
of Civil Rights,Room 326-W,Whitten Building,1400
FiIiit
Foot-and-mouth Q: If most animals don't die,why go to such
great lengths to eradicate it?
disease Q's and A's A: The disease is highly contagious with nearly 100
percent of exposed animals becoming infected. If the
disease became widespread in any country there
would be disastrous economic consequences. For
Q: What is foot-and-mouth disease(FMD)? example,the most serious effects of the disease in
A: FMD is a highly contagious and economically dairy cattle are loss of milk and yield.
devastating disease of cattle and swine. It also
affects sheep, goats,deer, and other cloven-hooved Q: What Is the U.S.Department of Agriculture
ruminants.Many affected animals recover, but the (USDA)doing to protect the United States from
disease leaves them debilitated. FMD causes severe foot-and-mouth disease?
losses in the production of meat and milk. Because it A: In order to protect U.S. livestock from the
spreads widely and rapidly and because it has grave introduction of FMD, USDA implemented an interim
economic as well as physical consequences, FMD is rule on February 21, prohibiting or restricting the
one of the animal diseases that livestock owners importation into the United States of live swine and
dread most. The disease does not affect food safety ruminants and any fresh swine or ruminant meat
or humans. (chilled or frozen)or products from Great Britain or
Northern Ireland. USDA's FMD policy has been to be
Q: What are the potential economic ramifications proactive and preventative. As a result,the interim
of an FMD outbreak In the United States? rule is effective retroactively. Products dated after
A: An FMD outbreak in the United States could January 14 are not permitted entry into the United
potentially cost the U.S. livestock industry billions of States. This rule has not yet been published in the
dollars in losses in the first year. Federal Register.
Q: Can people get the disease from animals? Q: What is USDA doing to prevent travelers from
A: It is not believed to readily affect humans. The bringing HAD into the United States?
disease has no implications for the human food chain. A: There is no change in the regulation regarding
People,however,can spread the virus to animals U.S.surveillance measures of travelers for FMD.
because it can remain in human nasal passages for However, ports of entry have been notified to
as long as 28 hours. enhance surveillance of travelers coming from
Europe, particularly the United Kingdom(UK)
Q: How do you get rid of foot-and-mouth because that area is now considered to be at high
disease? risk for FMD.
A: The virus can be killed off by heat, low humidity,
or some disinfectants. It is only rarely fatal,although Q: What should travelers do if they are planning
it is more likely to kill very young animals. There is to visit a farm or are in contact with livestock
no cure for the disease,and it usually runs its course while abroad?
in 2 or 3 weeks with most animals recovering, A: All international travelers must state on their
although some animals take up to 6 months to fully Customs declaration form whether or not they have
recover. been on a farm or in contact with livestock and if they
are bringing any meat or dairy products from their
travels back with them. APHIS officials will inspect
•
the baggage of all travelers who indicate they have Additional Information
been on a farm or in contact with livestock. My
soiled footwear must be disinfected with detergent For more information about FMD,contact:
and bleach. If travelers are around livestock in the
UK and they have livestock at home in the United USDA,APHIS,Veterinary Services
States,they should avoid contact with their animals Emergency Programs
for 5 days after returning. In addition,soiled clothing 4700 River Road, Unit 41
must be washed and disinfected prior to returning to Riverdale, MD 20737-1231
the United States. Telephone(301)734-8073
Fax(301)734-7817
Q: Can travelers bring animal products back to
the United States from Europe? The APHIS Emergency Operations Center
A: Any ruminant or swine products(cattle,sheep, (800)940-6524
goats,deer, and other coven-hooved animals e-mail: emoc@aphis.usda.gov
included),with the exception of hard cheeses and
canned products with a shelf life,will be confiscated. Current information on animal diseases and
.suspected outbreaks is also available on the Internet
Q: How can farmers support USDA In its efforts at http://wwwaphis.usda.gov.
to prevent FMD in the United States?
A: As always,farmers can support U.S.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,State or
Federal animal disease control officials,or their
county agricultural agent. Garbage feeders are
encouraged to fully cook their feed before giving it to
livestock.
The U.S.Department of Agriculture(USDA)prohibits To file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,Office
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of of CM Rights,Room 326-W,Whitten Building,1400
race,color,national origin,sex,religion,age,disability,political Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call
beliefs,sexual orientation,or marital or family status. (Not all (202)720-5964(voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity
prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities provider and employer.
who require alternative means for communication of program
information(Braille,large print,audiotape,etc.)should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at(202)720-2600(voice and TDD).
,
United States
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Questions and Q: Is BSE a notifiable disease In the United
States?
Answers A: Yes. Under Title 9 Code of Federal Regulations,
Bovine Spongiforrn _Parts 71 and 161, BSE is a reportable disease by
accredited veterinarians.
Encephalopathy (BSE)
Q. What types of BSE surveillance are we doing?
A: USDA-APHIS, in cooperation with USDA-FSIS
Q: What is the USDA policy In regard to Bovine and State diagnostic laboratories, has a
Spongiform Encephalopathy(BSE),and what comprehensive surveillance program. APHIS
actions has USDA taken? educates veterinary practitioners,veterinary
laboratory diagnosticians, industry and producers on
A: The USDA policy has been to be pro-active and the clinical signs and pathology of BSE.APHIS
preventative. APHIS has taken measures in monitors the remaining cattle imported from the
surveillance,prevention, education, and response. United Kingdom. Since 1990, more than 60
Import restrictions have been in place since 1989, veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the United
and active surveillance efforts began in 1990.The States and USDA's National Veterinary Services
USDA continually monitors and assesses all ongoing Laboratories continue to examine hundreds of cattle
events and research findings regarding spongiform brains each year submitted from adult cattle
encephalopathies,as new information and displaying neurologic signs either at slaughter or on
knowledge may lead to revised conclusions and the farm. FSIS performs antemortem slaughter
prevention measures.APHIS has also created a inspection at all federally-inspected slaughter
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy(TSE) establishments,and inspectors are alert for central
Working Group to analyze risks of BSE to the United nervous system(CNS)disorders.
States,disseminate accurate information about the
TSE's,and act as a reference source for responding Any CNS suspect animals are condemned and
to questions about TSE's. tested. Public health laboratories also submit to
APHIS any samples that have tested negative for
rabies. The network of private veterinary
Q: Is APHIS working with other agencies and practitioners that refers unusual cases to veterinary
groups to coordinate efforts? schools or State diagnostic laboratories around the
United States provides an extensive informal but
A: Yes. APHIS has actively shared information and important surveillance system. USDA has trained
met with State and Federal agencies, more than 250 State and Federal field veterinarians
including the Centers for Disease Control and located throughout the United States in the
Prevention(CDC),the Food and Drug Administration recognition and diagnosis of foreign animal diseases,
(FDA),the Food Safety and Inspection Service including BSE.
(FSIS),the National Institutes of Health(NIH),and
stakeholders to assure we are taking the proper The Veterinary Medical Data Base maintained by
actions in response to changing knowledge and Purdue University compiles diagnoses submitted by
information conceming BSE. 27 U.S.veterinary schools,including many
neurologic cases. The Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratory Reporting System(VDLRS)maintains a
data base on selected disease conditions submitted O: What proactive initiatives are underway to
by 29 State and university veterinary diagnostic educate farmers,veterinarians,extension agents,
laboratories throughout the U.S., including the results etc.?
of histologic examinations for BSE. VDLRS is a
cooperative effort of the American Association of A: An important part of the USDA's active
Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians ,the United surveillance program is the training of veterinary
States Animal Health Association, USDA-APHIS- practitioners in the clinical signs, diagnosis and
Veterinary Services'Centers for Epidemiology and sample submission for BSE. Videotapes of cattle
Animal Health, and the 29 laboratories mentioned showing clinical signs of BSE have been distributed
above. to veterinarians in Federal and State govemments,
veterinary diagnostic laboratories,and pathology
Veterinary pathologists at zoos in the United States departments of veterinary colleges. Microscope
routinely conduct postmortem examinations on the slides showing typical BSE lesions have been
brains of zoo animals exhibiting neurologic signs distributed to the above diagnostic laboratories,and
since BSE-like encephalopathies have been Federal Foreign Animal Disease(FAD)
diagnosed in seven species of exotic Bovidae at zoos diagnosticians have trained in Great Britain in BSE
in England. - -recognition. BSE factsheets, risk assessments,and
reviews have also been sent to State and Federal
Q: Has the United States Imported cattle from the veterinarians,private practitioners,other industries,
United Kingdom? and to producers. In addition,APHIS personnel have
given numerous presentations to various animal
A: Yes. Between 1981 and 1989,496 cattle were health groups. Finally,over 250 Federal and State
imported from the United Kingdom and the veterinarians throughout the U.S. have been trained
Republic of Ireland.These U.K. imports have been in the recognition of FAD's including BSE.
traced,and there are only 4 cattle still alive in the
United States(as of February 1999). All of these Q: What measures has USDA-APHIS taken to
animals have been under quarantine since April prevent the introduction of BSE?
1996.APHIS is currently attempting to purchase
these cattle for diagnostic research purposes. In July A: To prevent BSE from entering the United States,
1989,the importation of live ruminants from the APHIS has restricted the importation of live
United Kingdom was banned. ruminants and certain ruminant products from
countries where BSE is known to exist. On July 21,
In addition,2 head of cattle imported from Belgium in 1989,APHIS banned the importation of all ruminants
1996 are now under quarantine. APHIS, in and restricted the importation of certain cattle
cooperation with the States and industry, continues to products from the United Kingdom. On December 6,
purchase these animals for diagnostic purposes. No 1991,APHIS restricted the importation of ruminant
evidence of BSE has been found in any of these meat and edible products and banned most
imported animals. byproducts of ruminant origin from countries known
to have BSE(56 Federal Register[FR)63868 and
O: Can we account for all of the U.K.-Imported 63869). Prior to this,the products were restricted by
cattle? not issuing permits. Certain products cannot be
imported into the United States,except under special
A: All but 32 animals have been traced. All cattle of permit for scientific,educational or research
unknown status would be greater than 10 years of purposes,or under special conditions to be used in
age and would have a reduced likelihood of cosmetics. These products include serum,glands,
developing BSE at this late date. collagen, etc. Importation requests for ruminant
material are considered individually,and
Q: Does the United States still permit the feeding authorization is granted only to those materials that
of ruminant protein to ruminants? would not allow exposure to ruminants in the United
States.
A: On August 4, 1997,the Food and Drug
Administration(FDA)established regulations that As of December 12, 1997,APHIS has prohibited the
prohibit the feeding of most mammalian proteins to importation of live ruminants and most ruminant
ruminants. products from all of Europe until a thorough
assessment of the risks can be made. The new
restrictions apply to Albania,Austria, Bosnia-
Herzegovina, Bulgaria,Croatia,Czech Republic,
Denmark, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Finland, Importation protocols exceed the recommendation of
Germany,Greece, Hungary, Italy,the former the Office of International Epizootics(OIE). All bulls
Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia, Norway, Poland, producing semen for export to the United States are
Romania,Slovak Republic,Slovenia, Spain, and required to meet all 5 of the following conditions:
Sweden. These actions are in addition to those
already in place regarding countries that had reported 1. The semen donor has not been on premises
BSE in native cattle. where BSE has occurred within 5 years of the
date of embryo or semen collection;
This action was taken in 1997 because the 2. The semen donor is not affected with BSE;
Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg have 3. No progeny of the semen donor is affected with
reported their first cases of BSE in native-bom cattle. BSE;
There is evidence that European countries may have 4.The parents of the semen donor are not affected
had high BSE risk factors for several years and less- with BSE; and
than-adequate surveillance. Additionally, Belgium 5.The semen donor has not been fed ruminant-
reported that the cow diagnosed with BSE was derived protein.
processed into the animal food chain. This science-
based decision was made to protect human and -These importations were suspended during the first
animal health,to ensure the security of U.S. export week of April 1996, in response to the reported
markets,and to shield the safety and the integrity of possible association of vCJD cases in the United
our food supply. Kingdom and exposure to the BSE agent. We have
since resumed the importation of bovine semen as
An interim rule was published and the comment there is no scientific evidence to support that semen
period closed on March 9, 1998. The comments are harbors the BSE agent.
currently being evaluated. Criteria to assess the risk
factors were developed in accordance with the Q: What actions are taken at USDA-inspected
standards adopted by the Office of International slaughter establishments to ensure that cattle
Epizootics(OIE). APHIS has received information with BSE would not enter the human food
from a number of the European countries to assist in supply?
the risk analysis.
A: All cattle presented for slaughter in the United
As of December 7,2000,the U.S. Department of States are inspected before slaughter by FSIS for
Agriculture has prohibited all imports of rendered signs of CNS impairment. Any animals exhibiting
animal protein products, regardless of species,from neurologic signs during this inspection are
Europe. This decision followed the recent condemned, and the meat is not permitted for use as
determination by the European Union that feed of human food. The brains from these animals are
non-ruminant origin was potentially cross- submitted to USDA's National Veterinary Services
contaminated with the bovine spongiform Laboratories for analysis.
encephalopathy(BSE) agent. The restriction applies
to products originating, rendered, processed or Q: Does USDA have a response plan in the event
otherwise associated with European products. a case of BSE or TSE is diagnosed in U.S.cattle?
Q: Have we allowed the Importation of cattle A: In 1990,APHIS developed a plan to respond to a
semen and embryos from BSE-affected confirmation of BSE in the U.S. In August 1996,a
countries? joint APHIS-FSIS working group updated this BSE
response plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide
A: Yes. No BSE infectivity has been detected in a step-by-step plan of action in the event that a case
embryos, semen,or reproductive tissues of BSE- of BSE is detected in the United States. The plan
affected cows and bulls. Embryo transfer outlines those events that should take place,
experiments are underway in cattle and all interim including identification of a suspect animal,
results are negative,thus far. However,due to the confirmation,the epidemiologic investigation,animal
inconclusive findings of the maternal transmission and herd disposition activities, and communication of
BSE study and two studies which found sheep information.
scrapie to be transmitted via embryo transfer,the
importation of embryos from BSE affected and high-
risk countries has been suspended.
Contacts for More Information About BSE
For animal health issues, contact APHIS'Dr. Linda
Detwiler at(609)259-5825.
All general inquiries about APHIS'role regarding BSE
or animal health should be referred to Legislative and
Public Affairs at(301) 734-7799.
For questions related to food safety, meat and meat
products,or meat inspection, contact: Food Safety
and Inspection Service(202)720-9113
For questions related to human health,Creutzfeldt-
Jakob disease,contact: Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (404)639-7292
For questions related to science, research,contact:
National Institutes of Health (301)496-5751
For questions related to food,feed, drugs,cosmetics,
or biological products,contact: Food and Drug
Administration(301)443-1130
The U.S.Department ofAgriculture(USDA)prohbits To file a complaint of discrimination,write USDA,Director,Office
discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of of Civil Rights,Room 326-W,Whitten Building,14th and
race,color,national origin,gender,religion,age,disability,political Independence Avenue,SW,Washington,DC 20250-9410 or call
beliefs,sexual orientation,or marital or family status.(Not all (202)720-5964(voice and TDD).USDA is an equal opportunity
prohibited bases apply to all programs.)Persons with disabilities provider and employer.
who require alternative means for communication of program
information(Braille,large print,audiotape,etc.)should contact
USDA's TARGET Center at(202)720-2600(voice and TDD).
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