That means if a person that came in contact with the disease in Great Britain can board a plane and land in the U.S. and if they come in contact with cattle here they can wipe out a herd and an economy. And even though foot and mouth hasn't been seen in the U.S. since 1929, state agriculture officials say Florida is more at risk than any other state in the nation because of its 17 international sea and airports. Farmers like Jim Alderman want answers. That's why government scientist, Dr. John Crews met with farmers in March assuring them there is a virtual fire wall at the borders. The state is now helping the federal government monitor airports and seaports.
Inspectors look for things like uncooked meat, some cheeses, dry milk even raw wool.
It's not just farmers it's the guys who supplies it and the guy who transports it and the entire community built around it here. Terry Collier runs the merchant's export at the Port of Palm Beach, the 5th largest exporter of high quality Angus beef in the world. Business is good right now, the food here is being shipped to the Caribbean. That would all stop with a Foot and Mouth outbreak. No one want anything here.