What to Do If You Suspect FMD

Livestock producers are likely to be the first to note signs of a potential foot-and-mouth (FMD) disease outbreak. If you suspect that FMD may be present on your property, it is critical that you move as swiftly as possible to have your case investigated.

Any delay in reporting your case could result in further spread of the disease, which can move rapidly from animal to animal and farm to farm.

If you notice signs of a potential FMD case, follow the steps below until you are given further direction by your veterinarian, state or federal animal disease control officials or your county agricultural agent.

• Promptly report any signs of FMD  to your veterinarian, state or federal animal disease control officials or your county agricultural agent.

• Quarantine suspected animals immediately. Make sure no animals can stray onto or from your farm. Make sure no suspect animals are moved on or across a public road.

• Lock your farm gates and post ‘Keep Out’ signs at entrances.

• Do not transport any animals to or from your farm.

• Stop people or vehicles (i.e. milk tankers, food or fuel deliveries) from entering your farm. If they are already on your farm, ask them to remain there until the veterinarian or investigating official arrives.

• Make sure any deliveries to your farm are left at the farm gate.

• Collect movement, health or other records that could aid the investigation.

• Take direction regarding next steps from your veterinarian, state or federal animal disease control officials or your county agricultural agent.

For more detail about what to expect in an FMD outbreak, click here.