The country estimates it is losing up to 300 million dollars a week in tourist dollars. At least two airlines say they will allow passengers to cancel British vacations without a penalty for ticket refunds or exchanges. Foot and mouth disease can spread quickly which is why officials in this country have implemented aggressive prevention methods at American ports of entry. Here's what you may face when you return from that European vacation. It starts at the baggage carousel.
Cooper sniffs for food items in the baggage of passengers just arriving from Europe.
People don't get the disease, but can carry it back after hiking near infected animals. The disease strikes sheep, pigs, and cattle. It first broke out in the U.K., but in order to stop the spread to America travelers returning from infected areas will face a series of questions. If you answer that you have been in the countryside, maybe on a farm or on a golf course, the most you'll probably be asked to do is just remove your shoes. The officials check how many pairs of shoes are in your bag and often will scrub the shoes in disinfectant.