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News
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Don't pick up hitchhikers when it comes to ag threats
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1/19/2011
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Article Content Suggested lead
Global travelers are being cautioned against bringing back agricultural pests and diseases to Oregon:
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Audio 01
International travelers may provide a conveyance for pests and diseases that could threaten the state's agriculture and environment. The latest concern is outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in South Korea and Vietnam. The animal disease is a highly communicable virus of cattle and swine that affects meat and milk production. State Veterinarian Don Hansen with the Oregon Department of Agriculture has some simple advice:
HANSEN: "If you are traveling to those countries, be aware coming back. If you are entertaining guests from those countries, be aware of their presence." :08
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Foot and mouth disease is not a food safety issue and does not affect human health, but people can be carriers. Travelers returning to the state from affected areas should observe biosecurity and stay away from Oregon farms and ranches for awhile. There is also constant concern about travelers bringing back plant pests and diseases, says ODA's Dan Hilburn:
HILBURN: "We urge people not to bring back fruits and vegetables when they travel, or plants and plant material in soil. There's a right way and a wrong way to do it, and bringing it back in your luggage is the wrong way." :12
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The bottom line message is to be aware of where you are traveling and beware of what you might bring back. In Salem, I"m Bruce Pokarney.
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HANSEN says the cattle industry and private veterinarians are among those monitoring for any signs of foot and mouth disease since the recent outbreaks in South Korea and Vietnam:
"We've heightened our alert just because it's right on the Pacific Rim. It has a potential for coming our direction." :10
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Additional audio: Audio 04
HILBURN says whether it's an animal disease or a plant pest and disease, there are some basic biosecurity measures to be taken by those who are traveling where problems exist:
"If you are in an agricultural situation overseas, wash your clothes before you come back or bring them back in a plastic bag and wash them as soon as you get back. It's not that difficult. You just have to think about it a little bit and not go from orchard there without washing your clothes to orchard here." :18
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Full story
http://oregon.gov/ODA/news/110119travel.shtml |
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