May 14, 2001--
Federal and State agricultural agents say all the international paranoia over foot and mouth disease IS WARRANTED.
Utah based Federal veterinarian Bob DeCara says his department has increased its vigilance here - making inspections at all ports a top priority.
More on the story from Science Specialist Ed Yeates.
Travelers abroad continue getting more than normal inspections at ports of entries these days - and don't be surprised if inspectors take a closer look even for those arriving in Utah.
ED YEATES, SCIENCE SPECIALIST: "UTAH RANCHERS AND FARMERS HAVE NOT HAD TO DEAL WITH FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE SINCE 1929 - AND THEY WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. AS FAR AS THEY'RE CONCERNED, IF THE GOVERNMENT IS BEING OVERLY CAUTIOUS, SO BE IT."
Utah veterinary pathologist Lawrence McGill says it's all for the good. Foot and mouth disease can spread through beef and dairy herds faster than the common cold afflicts us.
He says he's even taking precautions with some friends from England who plan to visit his family.
DR. LAWRENCE MCGILL, DVM, VETERINARY PATHOLOGIST: "ONE TIME WE WERE GOING TO THEM TO THE MIDWEST TO A FARM SITUATION AND WE'VE CANCELLED THOSE PLANS ENTIRELY. WE'RE JUST GOING TO SPEND OUR WHOLE TIME SKIING WHILE THEY'RE HERE."
Foot and mouth has NO effect on humans, but a small amount of dust on personal belongings from someone whose been near an infected farm - and then travels to this country - is all it takes to spread the disease.
LAWRENCE MCGILL: "THIS BUG COULD LAST PROBABLY AS LONG AS THREE WEEKS. BUT MOST OF THE TIME THEY FEEL THAT IN FIVE TO TEN DAYS IT'S GONE - BUT YOU CARRY IT ON YOUR SHOES OR IN YOUR CLOTHES."
In fact, Dr. McGill imagine what some Utah birds could do - if they picked up some infected dust.
LAWRENCE MCGILL: "IF WE EVER GOT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE WITH ALL THOSE STARLINGS - THAT WOULD JUST SPREAD IT LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE BECAUSE THOSE BIRDS CAN GET IT ON THEIR FEET AND CARRY IT ALL OVER."
Overly cautious? Dr. McGill says that's the only way to keep the United States free of Foot and Mouth like it's been for the past seven decades.
Foot and Mouth is so contagious in cows and swine that the government only allows research at one highly restricted laboratory on an island outside the State of New York.
