• While traveling in foot and mount disease affected countries stay away from cloven hoof animals. Cloven hoof animals have two toes and include cows, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, llamas, alpacas, buffalo etc.

• Follow all USA Customs regulations prohibiting importation of meat, milk, vegetables and fruits. Indicate on your arrival card if you have visited a farm. BE CERTAIN NOT TO BRING ANY MEAT OR MILK PRODUCTS INTO THE USA!

• Wash all clothing in warm water and detergent before returning to the USA. Repeat the same process immediately upon your return to your home. Be sure to include hats, backpacks and luggage. Two cups of white vinegar can be added to the wash water to increase the acidity of the water which further assure the virus is killed.

• All dirt and manure needs be removed from shoes, cases and equipment which cannot be washed, then wipe them off with a damp cloth soaked in a bleach solution (5 teaspoons of household bleach to one gallon of water). If shoes are soiled leave them behind!

• Do not visit any farms, zoos, private animal collections or pets, which have cloven hoof animals for 5 days after your return to the USA. Remember this includes special pets such as pigs, goats or hedgehogs.

For more information on biosecurity, call NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets at 518-457-3502.