When the terrorist
threat level is raised to a high level, State Veterinarian Dr.
Robert Ehlenfeldt reminds veterinarians, farmers and agribusinesses
to be vigilant.
Homeland Security
Secretary
Michael Chertoff
states that producers and agribusinesses
need to control access to property, facilities and animals.
Be aware of who is on your property and why. If there is any
reason to suspect any sort of tampering, call local law enforcement
and Wisconsin Emergency Management at 1-800-943-0003.
Ehlenfeldt recommends
these measures:
The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease
(FMD) in Europe in 2001 was a “wakeup call” for
animal agriculture in the United States, and more recently there
have been concerns about bioterrorism which could negatively
impact the country’s food supply. Articles from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection:
Facts
What causes foot-and-mouth disease, how it spreads, prevention and control and more.
Prevention
Efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to prevent foot-and-mouth.
Advice to Farmers
Biosecurity measures for farmers to prevent introduction of foot-and-mouth disease and other diseases.
Advice for Visitors to Farms
How visitors to farms can reduce the chance of spreading foot-and-mouth disease.
Wisconsin's Emergency Plan
Wisconsin's plan if foot-and-mouth were to be discovered in the state.
Travel Tips
Travelers to infected areas should follow precautions, especially if they visited farms on their trip or plan to be on farms in the United States when they return.
On-Farm Breakfasts
How organizers can minimize foot-and-mouth disease risk at on-farm breakfasts.
Fairs and Livestock Shows
Organizers and exhibitors can minimize disease risk by following a few simple rules.
HIGH TERRORIST THREAT
MEANS HEIGHTENED BIOSECURITY ON FARMS