College of Veterinary Medicine

University of Minnesota

Precautions for University of Minnesota Travelers and
Foreign Visitors Returning from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Infected Countries

With the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in Europe, the University of Minnesota is undertaking measures to prevent infection in University flocks and herds. One recommendation is directed at U of M travelers or visitors to the United States who have been in a country with Foot and Mouth Disease. We are asking that all foreign visitors and University travelers be made aware of Federal and State restrictions/recommendations and sign a document verifying their understanding of these recommendations.

Following are the Federal/State preventive measures that should be taken by travelers to the United States from FMD infected countries:

  1. Anyone traveling to Britain, France or other countries with FMD should avoid going to any farm, zoo or other animal facility in that country if possible;
  2. Before travel to the United States, launder or dry clean all clothing and outerwear;


  3. All dirt and soil should be removed from shoes by thorough cleaning prior to wiping with cloth dampened with a bleach solution. (5 teaspoons of household bleach in one gallon of water). Luggage and personal items (including watches, cameras, laptops, CD players and cell phones), if soiled, should be wiped with a cloth dampened with a bleach solution.


  4. Salami and other meats from FMD-affected countries could harbor the virus, so anyone coming to the U.S. from those countries must not bring meat products from those countries. If those products were fed to animals, they could spread the virus to U.S. livestock;


  5. Anyone who does visit a farm, zoo or other animal facility in a country with FMD should avoid all farms, zoos and other animal facilities in the United States for 7 days after returning; and


  6. If anyone has relatives visiting from a foreign country, do not take them to visit farms or zoos for at least 7 days.

I have read the above recommendations and have or will follow the preventive measures outlined.





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