Janet Heimlich reports that even though foot-and-mouth disease has not appeared in the United States since 1929, many livestock-producing states are telling ranchers to take precautions. Texas animal health officials are worried that the disease could be brought in by travelers, particularly in contaminated meat. They are telling ranchers to isolate new animals for a few days, disinfect the boots of visitors from abroad, and watch their animals for symptoms. Not all ranchers are paying attention.
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