My very way of life would start changing drastically if I were to lose my herd of cattle. Britain's battle with the dreaded livestock viral infection is having little direct impact on farming in Tompkins County and elsewhere in America. Chances of an outbreak here remain small, most experts say. But people in agriculture in the Ithaca area say the outbreak across the Atlantic, coupled with statements by American officials and scientists that it can happen here, has heightened their awareness of biohazards to their animals and brought about renewed and added precautions. They're being extra conscientious about disinfecting boots, using disposable boot covers, cleaning their clothes after working with animals, and are restricting access to parts of the farms where animals are kept or fed.
High stakes risks It's because the stakes are so high.
Unlikely as it may be, a confirmed outbreak would end the United States' status as certified free of the disease, which could curtail the export of animal-agriculture products. At the worst, herds could be destroyed as is happening in Britain to prevent further spread of the highly contagious viral disease. Many farmers have hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions, invested in their herds, according to the Northeast Dairy Producers Association. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets expects sometime next week to finish an emergency response plan should foot and mouth disease appear in the United States, spokeswoman Jessica Chittenden said. The department would work with other agencies, such as the departments of Health and Environmental Conservation and with the federal government, Chittenden said.