Animal Disease Surveillance Increased

September 17, 2001

USDA will increase foreign animal disease (FAD) surveillance nationwide in the wake of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. "No potential FAD cases should be disregarded. Potential hoaxes should be treated as real incursions of FADs until proven otherwise," USDA said in a memo. "Specific attention should be directed at livestock and poultry concentration points."

Investigators and laboratory personnel were told to implement an appropriate level of personal protection when examining animals, carcasses and submitted samples until potentially zoonotic diseases can be ruled out. "Early detection remains the key to minimizing the impact of such a disease introduction," USDA said.

Questions should be directed to USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services, Emergency Programs staff at 301-734-8073, 800-940-6524, or EMOC@USDA.GOV.