[Jacob-list] foot & mouth disease

[Jim Spahr]

There was an article in Farm Week magazine (picturing a flock of Jacob sheep and crossbreds near Halwill, England) about foot and mouth disease.  The flock was to be destroyed after a vet inspection. 
Testing done in France showed "there was a very strong suspicion of foot and mouth disease from sheep imported from Britain.  If foot and mouth disease is confirmed in France, it would be the first case where it has spread from the U.K. to the European continent. Sixy-nine outbreaks were reported in Britain and northern Ireland and about 45,000 sheep, cows and pigs have been destroyed.  8,000 more animals are to be destroyed soon.  There was an outbreak inside Dartmoor Natl. Park in England which makes them think that wildlife could spread the disease to other livestock.  Hiking and horseback riding have been restricted on the moor where cattle and sheep graze.  France began killing 50,000 sheep imported from Britain as a precaution."  This is really frightening!   I have not heard of any cases here in the U.S. and hope that is something that can't happen here.  Does anyone know when the last case of foot (hoof) and mouth disease in the U. S. was reported?

                                                                            Mary Spahr

                       
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