Secure Milk Supply Promotes FMD Preparedness
In the event of a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the U.S., milk and meat produced by affected animals still would be perfectly safe and salable. But the biosecurity logistics of transporting those products would be complicated.
The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan for Continuity of Business was developed to assist dairy producers in voluntarily preparing for an FMD outbreak. Because FMD is a highly contagious disease, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try to control its spread, even if a herd is not infected.
In other words, every dairy will be impacted by FMD should it reach the U.S., even if the infection is not present on their farm. By preparing an FMD plan in advance, dairies can have a structure in place to:
- Limit exposure of their animals through enhanced biosecurity
- Move raw milk to processing under a movement permit issued by Regulatory Officials, and
- Maintain business continuity for the dairy industry, including producers, haulers, and processors during an FMD outbreak.
The SMS plan was funded by the USDA and developed via collaboration between the dairy industry, state and federal regulatory officials, and several universities. Its website provides in-depth information on FMD and how to develop a farm plan, including a short video and comprehensive training webinar.
For more on herd health, read:
- FARM Program Welcomes Input for Animal Care Program Version 5 Revisions
- When Stray Voltage Strikes
- Animal ID and Actionable Data Go Hand in Hand