Beef producers feel the responsibility of keeping their herds and those in contact with their cattle safe, and they appreciate practical tools that support their disease prevention practices. When it comes to biosecurity practices on beef cattle operations, limiting hazards and appropriately responding with good management are key in disease prevention. These practices ultimately protect the herd and the Canadian livestock industry from the animal health and economic impacts of foreign animal diseases, including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). 

To increase awareness of available tools for farmers and ranchers, a collaborative effort between the BCRC and Animal Health Canada (AHC) is currently underway ensuring that prevention and emergency response resources are being tailored specifically to the needs of Canadian beef producers.  

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly infectious virus that has serious consequences for the beef industry and populations of beef cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals worldwide, including severe economic and animal health impacts. Canada currently has an FMD-free without vaccination trade status and maintaining this status is the responsibility of all sectors within the industry. 

Animal Health Canada is a not-for-profit corporation jointly funded by its members, which include federal, provincial and territorial governments, industry organizations and other partners working in animal health and welfare in Canada. AHC works to bring groups within Canada’s livestock industry together to keep Canada’s farms healthy. As an organization that promotes an understanding of the various roles and responsibilities within the livestock industry, they provide resources to ensure preparedness in the case of emergencies. 

• FMD is not a public health concern, nor is it a food safety issue. FMD is not related to “Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease” common in children. 
• The clinical signs of FMD include anorexia, depression, fever, lameness, reduced milk output, salivation, blisters and lesions on the mouth, teats and feet.   
• FMD can cause abortion and sudden death in neonates.
• Foot and Mouth Disease can be spread by direct contact, in the air and on fomites. 
• Recognizing FMD early and preventing the movement of infected animals is critical. 

Fomites are objects or materials which are likely to carry infection including trucks, footwear and service providers moving from one farm to another.

Here are key messages Canadian farmers need to know to prepare and respond to Foot and Mouth Disease:

• If you have a suspicion that FMD may have entered your herd, take immediate action. Stop all movement of animals and people on your operation and phone your veterinarian. 
• Veterinarians are aware of the reporting process and will notify the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
• Thinking ahead and preparing an on-farm biosecurity preparedness plan in the event of an outbreak is good practice. 
• Keep good records.

“Keep good records! What animals have come onto your farm? Where did they come from? What animals have left your farm? Where did they go?” — Dr. Leigh Rosengren

Travel to countries that have active outbreaks poses a risk to those returning to Canadian farms, so it is important to train all farm personnel on the importance of biosecurity and the specific measures to follow after travel. If international visitors will be on your farm, have a plan in place to prevent possible infection: 

• Wear disposable boot covers.
• Prevent direct contact with cattle. 
• Vehicles should be washed and disinfected prior to coming on-farm.

Watch the consequences of the decisions made by Richard and Jennifer on their international holiday: