A new Web site puts foot-and-mouth facts at your fingertips. The
“Georgia Livestock” Web site (www.georgialivestock.org) from the University
of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
tells about FMD and its potential effects.
Click on graphic to visit Web |
The threat of having foot-and-mouth disease infect livestock in
the United States and Georgia is real, say UGA animal scientists.
This viral disease has the potential to cost Georgia livestock
farmers millions of dollars.
The best news for most Georgians is that it’s not considered a
human threat. In a very few cases, humans who have been in direct
contact with infected animals have developed mild, flu-like
symptoms. No one is known to have gotten the disease from eating
meat from infected animals.
Protection, Prevention
Farmers can learn the best ways to protect their livestock if the
disease should enter the United States. Further information can
help travelers avoid bringing the virus home with them.
“So far, all cases have been traced to animal-to-animal contact
within the infected areas or feeding contaminated meat scraps to
swine,” said Robert Stewart. He coordinates Extension Service
programs for the CAES animal and dairy sciences department.
“A ban is already in place on importing animals and animal
products from countries where the disease is active,” Stewart
said. “But we’re ready to handle the situation if it arises.”
