Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy said today that although there is low risk of an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Prince Edward Island, he is advising the public and farmers to exercise extreme precautions.
Mr. Murphy said his department is providing information to individuals and school groups who are planning to travel to Europe. Recommended measures include avoiding any contact with animals, disposing of all clothing and footwear which may have been exposed, refrain from bringing meat or dairy products back with them and abiding by all Canadian Food Inspection Agency rules. On return, they should also avoid contact with domestic animals for two weeks.
"Livestock producers should not allow people who may have been exposed to livestock while in Europe on their farms for at least two weeks," said Mr. Murphy. The disease can be spread by animals, people or materials which have been exposed to it.
"Canada has been free of Foot and Mouth disease since 1952, and I am confident that the measures the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have taken by suspending imports of susceptible commodities and enhancing inspections at all international ports will protect Canada's livestock industry," he said. "Nevertheless, livestock producers should exercise every precaution because this is an extremely serious and highly contagious livestock disease."
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is prohibiting importation of susceptible animals, animal products and farm equipment from Europe. It has also asked that the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency increase surveillance of passengers and baggage arriving on international flights.
The department will also be issuing an advisory to travel agents with clients visiting Europe.
Foot and Mouth disease is a severe, highly communicable viral disease of cattle and swine. It also affects sheep, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed animals. Some signs of the disease include blisters on the nose, tongue, lips, between the toes and on the teats, along with lameness, fever, loss of appetite or milk production.
Mr. Murphy said that people looking for more information should call the local Canadian Food Inspection Office.
Also, for more information, visit the Prince Edward Island Government web page on this topic:
http://www2.gov.pe.ca/af/agweb/library/documents/foot_mouth.asp