It is rarely fatal to animals but may kill very young animals. There is no cure, and the virus usually runs its course in two to three weeks with most animals recovering. However, affected animals can become debilitated and suffer loss of milk or meat production. As part of its ongoing survellience program, the USDA conducts hundreds of field inquires each year in an effort to detect animal diseases that might affect livestock. Passengers are required to identify any farm contact to Customs and USDA officials.
All baggage is subject to inspection.
This includes placing additional inspectors and dog teams at airports to check incoming flights and passengers. If people from other countries where confirmed cases of FMD have been found are scheduled to visit your property, make sure they wear freshly cleaned clothing and footwear. All international travelers coming into the U.S. must state on their Customs declaration form whether or not they have been on a farm or have been in contact with livestock. A. Uncooked meat and some types of milk products from contaminated animals can carry the virus. However, since the virus does not affect humans and would be destroyed when products are cooked, the primary risk of raw products is transmission of the virus to susceptible animals.