White House Press Briefing

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

March 30, 2001

PRESS BRIEFING BY ARI FLEISCHER

The James S. Brady Briefing Room

1:38 P.M. EST

Q: The Agriculture Department announced this afternoon that a test on
a hog for foot and mouth disease was negative. Can you tell us what
the President has instructed the Agriculture Department to do
specifically to monitor livestock in this country, and if there is a
heightened level of concern about the possible infection of any U.S.
livestock with foot and mouth?

MR. FLEISCHER: That is - you're information is correct, the
Department of Agriculture did report that earlier today in regard to
the situation in North Carolina. But measures to keep foot and mouth
out of the United States include stepped-up measures at our ports of
entry. The President has directed that a team of 40 inspectors to
Europe, to go to monitor and assist in containment efforts. There has
been increased inspection of passengers and luggage at airports;
increased inspectors at United States ports of entry; enhanced public
education.

And, of course, there are no confirmed reports of either - of the
disease in the United States. The President has been talking with
Secretary of Agriculture Veneman on a regular basis about this. He is
concerned that the United States does take appropriate action. He's
satisfied we have.

Q: Has he been in touch with any industry members at all, or through
-- asked the Agriculture Department to expand its contacts with
industry members, to spread communication throughout the livestock
producing industry, itself, to make sure of its heightened awareness?

MR. FLEISCHER: Major, I couldn't tell you if the President, himself,
has - I'd have to ask him. But, certainly, the Department of
Agriculture has. Toward that point, as well, it's worth nothing that
the Department of Agriculture has approximately 2,000 inspectors at
our ports of entry. There are another 450 throughout the United States
assisting states; and another 150 have been redirected, at the
Department of Agriculture, to help in the foot and mouth effort.