June 18, 2007

UC Davis project hopes to fully shield US against FMD

The University of California-Davis have launched a nationwide research study aimed at protecting the US livestock industry from foot-and-mouth disease.

Researchers at the Centre for Animal Disease Modelling  and Surveillance under the UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine is asking livestock producers to participate in an online survey from which researchers will compile data on animal movements and husbandry practices and use them in a simulation model to forecast the duration and magnitude of an FMD outbreak. The data also will help them determine the best strategies for containment.

FMD tops the Department of Homeland Security's list for a bioterrorist attack on US agriculture as it spreads quickly and easily transmitted, according to Dr. Tim Carpenter, director of the study.

The last occurrence of FMD in 1929 in the US has prompted researchers to weigh on an intensive study that will completely eliminate a possible comeback of the disease.

Carpenter said the online survey will help researchers develop a model based on real, up-to-date data for animal movements and current practices that could determine how the disease spreads as only livestock producers can provide us with this information. He said the model would also put US at the forefront in preparedness for not only foot-and-mouth but also other foreign animal diseases.