Veterinarians

Veterinarians can help prepare for a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak by using the resources in the SMS Plan and on this website to:

  • Assist Biosecurity Manager(s) on dairy operations write operation-specific biosecurity plans.
  • Train producers and designated cattle health monitors on the dairy operation to recognize abnormal production parameters or clinical signs suggestive of FMD.

Veterinarians can help during an FMD outbreak by:

  • Inspecting cattle for evidence of FMD virus infection.
  • Collecting or overseeing the collection of diagnostic samples.
  • Oversee the usage of FMD vaccination in animals, if used.
  • Reminding others that FMD is not a public health or food safety concern. Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink.

Biosecurity

Help producers write operation-specific, enhanced biosecurity plans.

Vaccination

Watch this 8 minute FMD vaccination video.

More info on the Regulatory Officials Vaccination page.

Disease Monitoring

Train producers to monitor disease.

Review the FMD virus surveillance options.

Potential Uses of a PCR Assay for FMD in Bulk-Tank Milk

NAHLN FMD Testing Laboratories

Disease Information

Many resources are available under the Regulatory Officials Disease Information page.

Certificates of Veterinary Inspection

During an FMD outbreak, movement permits will be issued by officials managing the incident for animals and animal products (possibly milk) moving into, within, and from a Control Area. All interstate movement requirements for animals must be met as they are in “peace time”.

For premises outside a Control Area seeking to move animals, the receiving state may require a movement permit issued by the officials managing the incident or it could be a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued and signed by an accredited veterinarian. Discussions are ongoing as to which method of tracking animal movement will be used in an FMD outbreak once livestock movement is restarted.

When CVIs are used during an FMD outbreak, the stakes are even higher that interstate movement criteria are met. The criteria are described on the Regulatory Officials’ permit guidance page.

At all times, accredited veterinarians are obligated to follow the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Section 161.4, meeting all the standards for accredited veterinarian duties, specifically (f), (g), and (h) as it relates to reporting suspect cases, taking measures of sanitation to prevent spread of disease, and staying informed on regulations governing the movement of animals.