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The landscape of animal health in this country is changing.
Sure, we are still concerned with the daily tasks of keeping cattle
healthy and free from respiratory disease, pinkeye, footrot and the
like. And the recent BSE discovery was front page news for a few days.
However, a much larger threat may be looming, and we probably aren’t
prepared. Considering the size and importance of the cattle industry
in the U.S., there is really no excuse.
As quoted from the National Cattlemen in a letter by Rod A. Bowling,
Ph.D. “BSE is as slow as molasses in January, in Wisconsin, yet
it has brought foreign trade to an abrupt halt. A fast moving disease
such as Foot and Mouth would grip the entire country and stop all trade,
domestic and foreign. We are not prepared!
“Traceability is not the only issue. Our disease management infrastructure
is old and antiquated. We simply cannot afford to rely solely on USDA-APHIS
to manage such crisis. We need earnest government/industry interaction,
even partnership, to prevent the lockdown that could occur with the
advent of another foreign animal disease.
“Modern transportation has changed world disease parameters from
local to international in scope. Our exposure and vulnerability have
increased exponentially! We desperately need a worldwide, science based
disease and trade management system that has support from all countries;
otherwise, we face the consequences of moving industry infrastructure
across borders, an in the translocation of Canadian cattlemen and U.S.
packers.
“As a superpower, we should be willing and able to STOP an animal
disease anywhere in the world, before it reaches our ranches, feedlots,
and packing plants. We can no longer afford to wait and guard our political
posture – we must become proactive and PREVENT such disease and
trade disasters! What has changed since December 23, 2003? NOT NEARLY
ENOUGH!!”
Dr. Bowling’s statement covers the situation very well. So the
big question of concern now, is USDA-APHIS – doing everything
they can, or is it that the money has not been appropriated for the
research, and to fund the program? © |
