FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Denise Derrer, Public Information Director, 317/227-0308
An electronic version is available at www.state.in.us/serv/presscal?PF=boah&Clist=17
INDIANAPOLIS (3 April 2001) Great Britain's battle against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) will soon be more than just images on television for three Indiana veterinarians. This week, two members of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health's staff and one from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's local Veterinary Services office will depart for Europe, where they will spend 30 days lending their expertise in veterinary medicine to the effort.
British animal health authorities issued a call for help for veterinary assistance from other nations to fight the rapid spread of the highly contagious Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus. USDA has responded by assembling veterinary teams to assist the overwhelmed British government with diagnosing and quarantining new cases.
According to Indiana State Veterinarian Dr. Bret D. Marsh, the situation presents an opportunity to help allies overseas, as well as gain valuable firsthand understanding that could be used here at home.
"We can do as much planning as possible for a catastrophic event like this," says Dr. Marsh. "But no classroom can provide the hands-on, frontline experience that comes from living and working in the midst of such a massive animal health disaster."
The veterinarians will not pose a threat to Indiana or U.S. livestock when they return. Each plans to take extraordinary precautions to avoid bringing virus particles back into the United States. In addition to restricted duty to eliminate contact with animals upon return, the veterinarians plan to leave clothing, footwear and even luggage behind. Every item that makes the trip home will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before the veterinarian boards the return flight.
"Our Indiana team will receive additional training in preventative measures. They are trained professionals who understand disease control, prevention and risk management." says Dr. Francisco Collazo, USDA Area Veterinarian-In-Charge. "This is an invaluable learning opportunity for Indiana's foreign animal disease response team, should something like this ever happen here."
Private veterinary professionals who are interested in assisting in the overseas efforts can contact the BOAH or USDA Veterinary Services for more information. Compensation and expense reimbursement are being provided through USDA.
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that has no human health effects. Cattle, sheep, hogs and other cloven-hoofed animals can contract the disease that causes blisters on the mouth, tongue and feet. The last known case in the United States was eradicated in 1929. Since Feb. 21, more than 1000 cases have been diagnosed in the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, France, Northern Ireland, and The Republic of Ireland.
PDF-format version of a recently updated USDA brochure on Foot-and-Mouth Disease. It provides some good background information, including color photos of clinical signs of the disease.
placed at this web site 4/5/01