USDA Proposes FMD Cleanup Rule
WASHINGTON - May 1//02 - STAT -- The USDA clarified its position with respect o the cost of dealing with the impact of foot and mouth disease -- should it be discovered in the United States.
Proposed amendments to its regulations give the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service authority to pay 100% of the costs for purchase, destruction and disposition of animals should they become affected with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), as well as for materials contaminated with FMD and cleaning and disinfection of affected premises.
APHIS is also proposing amendments to provisions regarding the value of animals and materials (hay, farm equipment, barns and other structures, etc.).
The United States has had no cases of FMD since 1929. However, due to the outbreaks last year in the United Kingdom and other countries, USDA conducted an internal review of current regulations to determine if updates were needed. This proposal is a result of that review.
"These changes would provide us with much needed flexibility to respond effectively to animal disease emergencies," said Bill Hawks under secretary of agriculture for marketing and regulatory programs.
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