Other nations are battling foot and mouth disease as well. The biggest importer of cattle in the Persian Gulf region, Saudi Arabia, has identified over 2,400 cases of the viral infection within its borders. Cases have come from 46 different sites within Saudi Arabia. The United Arab Emirates is the only other country in that region to report foot and mouth disease. Although the devastating effects of foot and mouth disease on domestic livestock production get most of the attention, wildlife species are also at risk.
Deer are most likely to be affected.
Any outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in this country would have disastrous results for such wildlife species and the economy they support. Fears over mad-cow disease have been felt in the United States, most recently in Vermont. There, federal officials have seized two sheep herds, totaling 360 animals. Concerns that these sheep may have been consumed feed contaminated with the causative agent of mad cow disease prompted the action. We all are familiar with guide dogs, and the remarkable services they can provide for visually impaired people.