1、1 Also known popularly as “hoof and mouth” disease.Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20890April 16, 2001Foot and Mouth Disease: A Threat to U.S. AgricultureAlejandro E. Segarra and Jean M. RawsonAgricultural Policy
2、 Analyst and Agricultural Policy SpecialistResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryAn outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among livestock in the UnitedKingdom and parts of Europe that began in February 2001 has raised concerns about theUnited States ability to prevent the disease from s
3、preading to this country and readinessto eradicate it should an outbreak occur. This report describes the characteristics of theFMD virus and disease, the current measures the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA) is taking to prevent its importation, and the authorities USDA has to act toeradicate a
4、n outbreak. The FMD threat also raises issues concerning the adequacy offunding for disease exclusion and research, the availability of vaccines, and USDAsauthority to move preemptively against a potential outbreak, among other things. Thisreport will be updated as events warrant. Introduction The c
