By Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, Preventalytics

Dr. Julia Herman, DVM, MS, DACVPM, Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian for NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff

In a Nutshell...

• The Secure Beef Supply( SBS) Plan is a resource for cattle producers and industry partners for business continuity options in case foot-and-mouth disease( FMD) infects U. S. livestock.

• Proper biosecurity procedures are the key to preventing an FMD outbreak in the U. S.

• Producers can start preparing today using the guidance in the SBS Plan to: develop contingency plans in case of limited animal movement, limit exposure to their herd through enhanced biosecurity, know the early signs of FMD, request a movement permit, and continue to supply safe and wholesome beef to consumers.

Labor shortages are a challenge in every industry. The thought of adding more biosecurity steps or planning for a disaster may be overwhelming. However, these prevention steps, combined with employee training, could mean less time managing sick cattle. This could improve labor use, cattle health and overall business output. It will also prepare producers to apply enhanced biosecurity if the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease( FMD) enters the U. S.

Luckily, the U. S. has not had a case of FMD since 1929. It can be found in more than two-thirds of countries in the world. With global travel and trade, there is a risk of FMD introduction to the U. S. every day. An FMD outbreak could cost the agriculture industry between $ 15 billion to $ 100 billion. NCBA was an active partner alongside producers, veterinarians, state and federal government officials, and university experts to develop the Secure Beef Supply( SBS) Plan for Continuity of Business to help producers protect their herds from FMD. The USDA funded NCBA to develop more outreach materials and increase FMD awareness of producers, transporters and other stakeholders.

What Does FMD Look Like?

FMD( sometimes called“ hoof” and mouth disease) causes blisters on the feet and in the mouth of two-toed( clovenhooved) animals like cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, and wildlife like elk, deer and feral swine. FMD is a very contagious animal disease. It is NOT the same as hand, foot and mouth disease in people, and it does NOT affect people or food safety. Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink.

Cattle with FMD can drool and do not want to move or eat because of painful sores. Signs may not show up for four or more days after exposure. Adult cattle lose weight and produce less milk for nursing calves. Young calves with FMD are more likely to die, often due to heart problems. There is no treatment for FMD.

Preventing FMD Spread

One way to limit the spread of FMD is to stop the movement of cloven-hooved animals and germplasm( semen, embryos, oocytes). At the beginning of an FMD outbreak, the USDA would recommend at least a 72-hour national movement standstill for cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, deer, elk, bison and their germplasm. Consider, how would a standstill affect each producer’ s business? What would happen to cattle on the road or that need to move in the next few days? Read more about“ What to Expect in a National Movement Standstill” on the SBS website.

32 NATIONAL CATTLEMEN DIRECTIONS 2025