April 15, 2008

US likely to move FMD research unit to mainland livestock area
 

The Bush administration is planning to shift its foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) research unit from an isolated island laboratory to the US mainland near livestock herds, sparking concerns of a serious outbreak.

Democrats in the Congress have demanded to see the internal documents that they believe would highlight the risks and consequences of the decision. The disease infects only animals, but has the potential of crippling the livestock industry.

One such government report produced last year was turned over to lawmakers by the Homeland Security Department. The report combined commercial satellite images and federal farm data to show the proximity to livestock herd in locations that are considered for the new lab. The nine-page document, however, did not directly answer whether an accidental laboratory release at the selected location would affect nearby livestock.

Manhattan, Kansas, is one of the five mainland locations under consideration, while other possible locations include Athens, Georgia; Butner, North Carolina; San Antonio; and Flora, Mississippi.

The new site could be selected in late 2008, and would be operational by 2014.