Livestock Sectors Prepare for FMD

Thirteen states are partaking in a national emergency response training for a Food and Mouth Disease outbreak this week. Emergency management coordinator Brad Deacon with the Michigan Department of Agriculture tells Brownfield a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in the U.S. is just as threatening as terrorism and cyber disruptions and a matter of national security.  “When we talk about what are horrible things that could happen that we need to plan for and practice, and be as prepared as possible—Foot and Mouth Disease on that list”He says Food and Mouth Disease is not a food safety issue for consumers but has huge economic ramifications.  “When you think about beef, dairy, pork, as well as feed, and all the products that are associated—slowing down this sector of the economy would have major economic impacts and ripple effects throughout the entire national economy.”Deacon says the Avian influenza outbreak in 2015 was eye opening for the livestock industry and emergency response training drills are necessary to maintain a secure food supply. Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota are also simulating an on-the-ground outbreak in individual states as part of national training models coordinated in partnership with USDA.