Video released on public lands movement criteria during FMD Outbreak

“ASI appreciates the time and effort put in by the advisory group as well as Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, consultant with Preventalytics, in the creation of materials. This effort had multiple groups contribute to unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to, and enhance their resiliency for an FAD event,” said ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “This collaboration across the sheep and cattle industries with state and federal partners demonstrates impactful results for business continuity and a secure food supply.”

NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Kaitlynn Glover said an FMD outbreak on U.S. soil would cost the U.S. economy hundreds of millions of dollars. For years, the resources prepared have focused on mitigating losses on private land, but with the help of a wide spectrum of organizations, these new comprehensive resources help public lands ranchers whose livestock may be far from any infected herd have predictability for their operations in the event of an FMD outbreak.

“Livestock producers in the West are now more prepared than ever to work with federal lands agencies and animal health officials to make movement decisions with the development of this collaborative guidance,” Glover said.

These resources are in addition to the enhanced biosecurity plans found on the SSWS and SBS websites. Industry input and participation was critical to identifying gaps for federal lands grazers and establishing the need for these specialized documents. The sheep and beef industries continue to work together to provide educational resources to best prepare producers, veterinarians, and other industry stakeholders before an FMD outbreak occurs.