NCBA Encourages Producers To Maintain Safety Vigilance

Beef producers should exercise caution and maintain vigilance against introduction of foreign animal diseases during this time of heightened U.S. security, according to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).  Cow/calf producers, feedlot and stocker operators, market managers and employees and others should be aware of the increased risk during time of war, and be prepared for emergencies.

Eric Davis, NCBA president and a beef producer from Bruneau, Idaho, says the industry’s capability of securing its borders was tested during the European BSE and foot and mouth crises in 2001 and it performed admirably.  Producers and others must maintain their high level of alertness to protect the U.S. cattle herd and beef supply.

“Our producers know what safeguards are needed, but should be especially watchful today as threats against this country are made,” says Davis.  “It isn’t enough to conduct ‘business as usual’ – even when procedures in the business are careful and well-thought-out.  We support the administration’s efforts under ‘Operation Liberty Shield’, and are prepared to do what is necessary to make it successful.”

After last week’s announcement of Operation Liberty Shield, which is the U.S. government’s domestic campaign to increase U.S. security and readiness, NCBA participated in a conference call hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services to inform stakeholders of the increase in the threat level, increased security measures that will be in place across USDA and APHIS, and urging increased awareness and biosecurity by producers.   

John Maas, extension veterinarian at the University of California at Davis and chairman of the NCBA Animal Disease Research Subcommittee, reminds producers to follow these guidelines:

• Security extends to your telephone. Exercise caution if you are asked for information about your security procedures. Verify the identity of anyone who asks you for information, and the purpose for which it is intended.
• Know who is on your property at all times.
• Require visitors to change their shoes and clothing before coming onto your property from another farm or ranch.
• Be particularly alert to:

Ø      Ø      Sudden, unexplained animal deaths in the herd.

Ø      Ø      Severe illness affecting a high percentage of animals.

Ø      Ø      Blistering around an animal's mouth, nose, teats or hooves.

Ø      Ø      Unusual ticks or maggots.

Ø      Ø      Staggering, falling or central-nervous system disorders.

Immediately report anything unusual to your veterinarian, local law-enforcement authorities and your state animal health office. Post emergency numbers where all family members and employees have access.  These numbers should include local law enforcement, local FBI, your veterinarian and state animal health official.

Davis notes that in the summer of 2001 NCBA distributed one million brochures on foot and mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to beef producers, along with about 5,000 “Herd Health Protection” posters to auction markets across the U.S. in the fall of 2002.  These materials, funded partially with beef checkoff dollars, provided information on what producers should look for in terms of these diseases, and what they should do if they found symptoms. 

The brochure can be accessed on the beef industry’s Web site at http://www.fmdinfo.org/documents//ACF7D1.pdf

NCBA also has held workshops and conferences on foreign animal disease, including a special workshop during the 2002 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Reno, Nev., last July. 

 “This is a cooperative effort between the industry and the government – especially now,” says Maas, who is also a California cattle producer.  “Our producers have done a great job.  They know about the health of their animals, as well as how to safely manage their operations.  Our efforts at the farm and ranch are an important foundation for protecting our food supply.”