DATE=3/14/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / HOOF AND MOUTH (L)

NUMBER=2-273714

BYLINE=NICO COLOMBANT

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=YES

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: As new cases of hoof and mouth disease break out in Europe and South America, U-S border officials are stepping up efforts to make sure the United States remains disease-free. Nico Colombant reports from Washington where officials outlined strategies to prevent the highly contagious livestock disease from entering the country.

TEXT:The United States has not had a confirmed case of hoof and mouth disease since the late 1920s, and officials here want to keep it that way.

Craig Reed from the U-S Department of Agriculture says it is crucial

to take severe steps such as banning fresh meat and fresh milk coming from high-risk areas.

/// REED ACT ///

Of course we have to be vigilant. There are only three continents left in the world that don't have this, North America, Australia and Antarctica. It is all around us literally.

/// END ACT ///

At U-S borders, where an estimated quarter-million travelers arrive every day, customs officials say they will focus attention on soiled shoes.

Government veterinarian Alfonso Torres says hoof and mouth can survive on contaminated shoes coming on a plane from Europe.

/// TORRES ACT ///

The survival of the virus depends on several things: temperature, humidity and organic matter. So on dry clothing, or (the) hair, probably the virus is not going to survive there for too long, in soiled wet shoes yes.

/// END ACT ///

Border officials say they will scrub and bleach soiled shoes before handing them back to travelers.

There also will be closer scrutiny to check if passengers are carrying any of the European meat products that were banned on Tuesday. Special sniffer dogs will be working in passenger areas.

U-S officials warn that if travelers fail to declare illegal food products, they face fines of up to one-thousand dollars. Travelers are also being asked to avoid contact with livestock and wildlife for five days after arrival.

Officials say they are confident these measures will keep the United States disease-free. They warn an outbreak of the disease could cost the U-S agriculture sector billions of dollars in lost revenue.

(SIGNED)

NEB/NC/KBK