Sheep Industry News October 2024

Video Offers Public Lands Movement Criteria During FMD Outbreak

A SI worked with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Associa tion and other stakeholders to develop movement deci sion criteria guidance addressing unique scenarios that would arise for federal lands grazers in the event of a foot-and mouth disease outbreak. A five-minute video describes the project and resources and can be viewed at the SecureSheepWool.org and SecureBeef.org websites under the Public Land Grazing pages. The video is the result of a multi-year cooperative project funded by a grant from

of Government Affairs Kaitlynn Glover. “Livestock producers in the West are now more prepared than ever to work with federal lands agencies and animal health officials to make movement decisions with the development of this collaborative guidance.” These resources are in addition to the enhanced biosecurity plans found on the SSWS and SBS websites. Industry input and participation was critical to identifying gaps for federal lands grazers and establishing the need for these specialized docu ments. The sheep and beef industries continue to work together to provide educa

the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Disease Pre paredness and Response Program. “ASI appreciates the time and effort put in by the Advisory Group as well as Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, consul tant with Preventalyt ics, in the creation of materials. This effort had multiple groups contrib ute to unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to and enhance their resiliency for an FAD event,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “This collabora tion across the sheep and

tional resources to best prepare produc ers, veterinarians and other industry stakeholders before an FMD outbreak occurs. BACKGROUND The United States is currently free of the FMD virus. The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan and Secure Beef Supply Plan for con tinuity of business provide opportuni ties for industry partners to volun tarily prepare before an FMD outbreak.

cattle industries with state and federal partners demonstrates impactful results for business continuity and a secure food sup ply.” “An FMD outbreak on U.S. soil is expected it would cost the U.S. economy hundreds of millions of dollars. For years, the resources we have prepared have focused on mitigating losses on private land. Now, with the help of a wide spectrum of organiza tions including USDA, the Public Lands Council, state animal health officials, and many more, we have comprehensive re sources to help public lands ranchers whose livestock may be far from any infected herd have predictability for their operations in the event of an FMD outbreak,” said NCBA Executive Director

If FMD were found in American livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try and control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. Control areas will be established around infected premises and movement restrictions will be implemented. Given the nature of federal lands grazing, containment of livestock and mitigation of risk will require different strategies than private land contain ment measures. When the control areas encompass part or all of a public land grazing allotment in one or more states, there are unique challenges for sheep and cattle producers to mitigate disease exposure risks. FMD is not a threat to public health or food safety.

October 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 35