The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun inspecting shoes and luggage of passengers returning from stays in the European countryside, according to a report published on Yahoo today. The report indicated that the reason was to control the possible entry of Foot and Mouth Disease (A human enterovirus infection) into the United States. It was also noted that even a shipment of John Deere farm equipment was held up at customs since it had been displayed at a farm trade show.
It has been rumored that this disease, also known as hoof and mouth disease, is actually anthrax, however the two are distinctly different diseases. This fact does not, however, lessen the severity of foot and mouth disease. It still remains a highly contagious, condition that spreads rapidly especially in agricultural settings and could decimate the entire livestock industry of a nation in a relatively short time.
The fear of the disease entering the United States has become so great among government officials that drastic measures have been taken to attempt to isolate potential carriers. According to Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman, the United States would use "every means" to keep foot-and-mouth at bay. Alfonso Torres, deputy administrator of the U.S. Agriculture Department's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service told reporters, "If this were to spread to the United States the losses would reach into billions of dollars quickly." Officials of major American retailers agreed. McDonalds spokesmen said that the outbreak in Europe was expected to cost them sales because of the loss of consumer confidence in meat products and by the lack of supply.
It is expected that due to restrictions on cattle imports from the European Community, American consumers should expect an increase in meat prices. These restrictions include the import of fresh, frozen and raw meats. They do not include limitations on many cooked meats, hard cheeses, milk products or chocolate.
On March 7, 2001, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory for U.S. Citizens planning travel between the United States and the United Kingdom. The advisory notes that zoos, parks and other tourist attractions in the United Kingdom have been closed to prevent the spread of the disease. It advises that travelers should take extra precautions and contact their travel agents for updates prior to departure.
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