ThePigSite Latest News
DHS officials ponder effects of foot-and-mouth outbreak
US - The Homeland Security Department's senior adviser for weapons of mass destruction said late last week that the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease on American soil would have a tremendous effect on the U.S. economy, whether the outbreak is intentional or accidental.Maureen McCarthy, the weapons adviser, on Friday told attendees of the Association for Intelligence Officers' annual convention that such an outbreak would cost the American agriculture economy "hundreds of billions" of dollars and could shutter some trade borders for "years" if officials deem it necessary.
"It will happen instantly," she said of the financial and trade impact, "even if there are no deaths."
During a discussion that in part focused on how biological agents might be used against the United States, McCarthy said foot-and-mouth disease could be used by terrorists. However, she told Government Executive after the discussion that there is no existing intelligence indicating such a plot.
She added that simultaneous breakouts of foot-and-mouth disease in several locations could be a signal of an attack.
To continue reading this article please click here
Source: GovExec
Latest Pig Industry News
PCVDs and the Diagnosis and Control of Epizootics
Intelligent Farrowing Pen on the Way
Market Preview: Tracking the Corn Crop- Weekly Review: Optimism in Futures Market
REVIEW: The Pig Journal, Volume 61 (2008)- Alliance: Cobb-Vantress and Hendrix Genetics
- Weekly Roberts Report
Rosselkhoznadzor Bans Meat Imports from Two Brazilian States- Blue-Green Algae Fatal to Livestock
- US Prohibits the Extralabel Use of Cephalosporin
