For the first time since 1929, a version of the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease, a highly infectious livestock disease, will be allowed on the U.S. mainland, said the USDA on Thursday. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue authorized movement of a genetically modified, non-infectious version of the virus with the goal of U.S. development of a vaccine for the dreaded disease.
Cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, deer, and other cloven-hoofed animals are susceptible to foot-and-mouth disease, which can cause open blisters, lameness, loss of appetite, and inhibited movement in animals. Although most infected animals do not die, they are weakened for life and less productive. The United States eradicated foot-and-mouth disease in 1929, but it is still widespread in parts of the world.
For years, a high-security USDA lab on Plum Island, in Long Island Sound, was the only site in the country that conducted research with the live foot-and-mouth virus. A federal law required USDA authorization for the modified virus to be brought onto the mainland.
“With this announcement, vaccine companies may now apply for USDA permits to continue their work with this specific modified, non-infectious FMD virus in the United States,” said the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which oversees pest and disease control. “All permits granted would include appropriate biocontainment and use restrictions.” The farm bill approved last week by the House Agriculture Committee includes a provision to create a vaccine bank in case of an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.