Two leading livestock industry groups announced guidance for public land grazing in the event of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
The American Sheep Industry Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association announced the framework Tuesday (April 9, 2024). The guidance provides resources to livestock producers to voluntarily prepare before an FMD outbreak. Using “real-time” scenario exercises, guidance was improved to provide decision makers with necessary information to ensure animal needs and response goals are met. Some decision criteria include assessing adequate feed/water, mitigating interactions with wildlife, and implementing just-in-time biosecurity.
ASI President Brad Boner says, “With about half of the U.S. ewe inventory that seasonally graze on permitted federal grazing lands, this project provides needed information for ranchers and decision makers.” NCBA and ASI developed the guidance through two years of virtual and in-person meetings with an advisory group of sheep and cattle producers who hold federal grazing permits.
Find the guidance online at securesheepwool.org or securebeef.org.
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