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12-23-2003

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS URGED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS

West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is calling on everyone involved in the livestock and poultry industries to be especially aware of biosecurity procedures in the coming weeks, due to the recent upgrading of the national threat level to code orange by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“West Virginia is wide open to a disease threat due its rural nature and close proximity to our nation’s capital,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Hopefully, everyone in the agricultural community - from farmers to veterinarians to market operators - will be especially vigilant.”

“If people can drive away with other people’s cattle in the middle of the night, it would be simple enough for someone to introduce a disease in the same fashion,” Commissioner Douglass said in reference to continuing reports of cattle thefts in the Eastern Panhandle.

Douglass added that agriculture is a segment of U.S. society that has been explicitly targeted by terrorist organizations, according to intelligence gathered since September 11, 2001.

“The celebration of Christmas and New Year’s during this time is not lost on those who would do harm on us,” said Commissioner Douglass. “They realize the many distractions Americans face during these final weeks of the year. But now is the time we must raise our guard, not lower it.”

Among the recommendations for maintaining biosecurity on the farm and at livestock markets:

• Be especially observant for signs of any foreign animal diseases, and immediately report any unusual symptoms or animal behavior to your local veterinarian. Call the State Veterinarian at 304/558-2214 if you cannot reach your regular veterinarian. The West Virginia Assistant State Veterinarian is trained as a Foreign Animal Disease Specialist.
• If possible, keep animals in pastures away from main highways.
• Keep gates locked and keep a closer watch on animals.
• Instruct employees to be on the lookout for unfamiliar people, vehicles, packages or containers on or around the farm.
• When trucking animals, do not leave the vehicle unattended during rest stops. This is an ideal opportunity to introduce disease into the food chain!
• Maintain good records of all animal transportations. In case of an outbreak, these records will be critical in tracing all animals that may have been infected.
• Make sure feed and water supplies are accorded the same protection as animals. Stock up on feed in case intentionally adulterated products result in delayed shipments.

By the very nature of their work, the veterinary profession will be the first responders in any terrorist activity directed toward agriculture. Veterinarians have been afforded the opportunity to become more familiar with the symptoms of foreign animal diseases and should immediately contact the State Veterinarian at the first sign of any suspicious activity.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Current Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.

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