Evaluating the potential for spread of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock operations in Colorado and Kansas

The Animal Population Health Institute in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University are currently conducting a research project to characterize the types of contacts (movements of animals, people, and equipment) that occur among livestock operations in Colorado and Kansas. We will use this information to investigate the potential for the spread of diseases, like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), among farms, ranches, and other livestock operations in the western central US.

We are currently recruiting livestock producers who would be willing to spend a just few minutes at four different times in 2011 to complete short surveys to help us learn about these types of contacts in our two states. All data collected will be anonymous. Participation is completely voluntary, but we are seeking broad representation of all livestock producers (cattle, swine, sheep, and goats) in Colorado and Kansas to ensure that the study is useful.

Read statements of support for this study from local livestock industry associations

Background for the study

FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects many livestock species, including cattle, swine, sheep and goats. FMD can spread very quickly, and can have a devastating consequences for animal health, for businesses and communities that rely on animal agriculture, and even for the national economy. Although the last reported outbreak of FMD in the United States occurred in 1929, the disease is not uncommon elsewhere in the world, and it remains a threat to US animal agriculture. Measures for disease prevention (such as import restrictions and quarantine of live animals from other countries) provide a first line of defense, but the possibility of introduction of FMD will always exist. For the sake of US livestock producers, it is essential to have a plan in place for how to respond to possible disease outbreaks.

The main challenge is to produce a plan that makes economic sense, will minimize the consequences of an outbreak of FMD as quickly and efficiently as possible, and will sustain livestock production in the long run. It simply is not possible to carry out these kinds of studies with experiments. Instead, computer models are often used to develop and test disease response plans. Computer models, though, are only as good as the information that is used to build them. The results of computer modeling studies rely heavily on information about the kinds of contacts that occur among livestock operations, as well as on how often these contacts occur. Very little data exists on these kinds of contact rates.

Our research project

In order to collect information about the types and frequencies of contact that occur among livestock operations, we will use a series of 4 seasonal questionnaires (winter, spring, summer and autumn) during 2011. Participants will be asked, over a one-week period, to record the number of livestock shipments to and from their facility, the number of animals shipped, the type of the source or destination operation (e.g., sales yard, slaughterhouse, etc.), and the approximate distance for each shipment.

How this study will benefit producers

An accurate model of disease spread in Colorado and Kansas will help to design an appropriate outbreak response strategy that will limit the duration of an outbreak and minimize the negative effects on livestock production to help ensure recovery as soon as possible.

The final results of this study will be published and will be shared with all the study participants and livestock organizations.

How to sign up

If you would like to participate or would like to receive additional information, simply click here to fill out a quick contact form, and someone from the research team will be in touch with you soon.

Key contacts

If you have any questions about this study, what it will entail, or how you can help, please feel free to contact one of the researchers below:

Please watch this website for periodic project updates.
Thank you for your interest!