USDA Announces First Significant Purchase of FMD Vaccine

WASHINGTON, DC – What would the implications of a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in the United States be? According to a study back in 2013 funded in part by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, an outbreak could easily cost the domestic livestock industry more than $1.5 billion per year.

In areas of the world where FMD is endemic, the price tag could climb to $21 billion. With that as the backdrop, the USDA has been working to develop a Foot and Mouth vaccine bank, and last week announced their first significant purchase.

After writing a check for $27 million, the bank is finally beginning to live up to its purpose, as established in the 2018 Farm Bill. Unfortunately, there is not enough of the vaccine to handle an outbreak if it were to occur. FMD is neither a food safety nor human health threat but is an infectious viral disease that affects cattle, pigs, and sheep.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPS) applauded the purchase but warns that the disease is endemic in many parts of the world and if found in the U.S. would have widespread, long-term fallout including the immediate loss of export markets.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)