State warns travelers
against exposure to foot-
and-mouth virus

---

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

The state veterinarian is warning Hawaii residents traveling abroad about the danger of foot-and-mouth disease, a highly communicable disease that affects cattle, swine, sheep and other cloven-hoofed animals.

"This disease is particularly feared because it is easily transmitted and terribly debilitating to livestock," said James Foppoli, of the state Department of Agriculture. "Although our isolated location protects us somewhat from exposure from infected livestock, human transmission is a factor that should not be underestimated."

Foot and mouth disease has been diagnosed in 34 countries during the past 18 months. The latest outbreaks have occurred in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Argentina and France. Continents free of the disease are North America, Australia and Antarctica.

Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state livestock disease control personnel met with key agencies to ensure an elevated state of alert is maintained to prevent the accidental entry of foot and mouth disease into the country.

"With this particular disease, early detection and eradication is crucial to save the entire industry," Foppoli said.

"As a precaution, anyone who has been to Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Argentina within the past 30 days should stay away from farms, ranches and zoos," he said. Foppoli advised travelers to avoid contact with animals or areas where animals have been held for at least five days before and after returning to Hawaii.

Foot and mouth disease is characterized by fever and blister-like sores on an animal's tongue and lips, in the mouth, on the teats and between the hooves. Once infected, animals become "virus factories," capable of spreading high numbers of viral particles to other animals and into the environment.

Infected swine can release millions of viral particles when they exhale.

Moreover, the foot and mouth disease virus can be carried in raw meat, animal products or milk from exposed or infected animals.

Although humans are not susceptible to the disease, they can serve as carriers.

REDUCING RISK Precautions for travelers: >> Launder or dry clean all clothing before returning to the United States. >> If you have visited a farm abroad or if you live on a farm in Hawaii, shower, shampoo and change into clean clothing to decrease the risk of taking the foot and mouth disease virus home. >> Remove dirt or organic material from shoes, luggage and personal items. Wipe the items with disinfectant.