August 29, 2002

A new report by the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) recommends that USDA collaborate with the Customs Service to improve the flow of information about foreign foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks to inspectors at U.S. ports of entry. The report, "Foot and Mouth Disease: To Protect U.S. Livestock, USDA Must Remain Vigilant and Resolve Outstanding Issues," was requested by Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD).

In its report, GAO acknowledged the challenges involved in preventing the introduction (FMD), including the virus' hardiness and the magnitude of products, passengers, and mail entering the United States.

GAO recommended several key steps for prevention and containment, including: establishment of a system to identify and track animal movements and a process for gathering and disseminating information in a timely manner to concerned agencies, including the Customs Service. To that end, GAO recommended that USDA collaborate with Customs to develop a better process for disseminating information, as well as non-technical procedures that inspectors can use to screen cargo and passengers from FMD-affected countries.

The report also recommended that signs used at international airports to alert and inform passengers about the possible risks need to be larger and more apparent and that USDA develop a plan and milestones to address issues that could compromise an effective and rapid U.S. response.

However, the report questioned how USDA will obtain the estimated 1,200 additional veterinarians trained in responding to foreign animal diseases needed to respond to an outbreak. For a copy of the report, click on the following link: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d02808.pdf.