As my parents and I unloaded square bales into the barn last night, we listened to the local country music station while we worked. Radio personality Leah hosted the evening's show and she rounded off the hour with a trivia question.
She asked the tenth caller, FMD recently broke out in the U.K. This disease infects the meat and can spread to humans. What animal is victim to FMD?
Although the caller guessed correct in that Hoof and Mouth Disease occurs most prominently in cattle, Leah was misinformed in her question. FMD is a viral disease in cattle, hogs, and sometimes sheep, goats, deer and elephants. It is rapidly contagious amongst animals, but doesn't taint the quality of meat and milk for human consumption. FMD is strictly an animal health issue not a food safety issue. We can rest assured that meat and dairy products are as safe as ever.
The World Organization for Animal Health maintains that the United States and Canada are FMD-free without vaccination.
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Comments (3)
Hey! Great information on FMD. I totally agree that the information regarding the disease is skewed. It's dissapointing to hear that a popular country radio station would relay incorrect information. Thank heavens we have someone like you
Amanda who put-out educated and important information through the radio! :) Way to go Amanda!
Posted by JoAnna Strom | September 3, 2007 10:25 AM
Posted on September 3, 2007 10:25
The fist time a I heard Amanda was at a SDBIC meeting a couple of years ago. She was "electric". She sure has carried this this passion on with her part on Faces of Ag, which we get on KFYR
Posted by EJ Mertz | October 3, 2007 5:14 AM
Posted on October 3, 2007 05:14
It is disappointing to hear false information being announced through the airwaves, so its that much more important to tell our side of the story.
Oh and EJ, I'm flattered! Glad you like the radio show! :)
Posted by Amanda Nolz | October 3, 2007 7:02 PM
Posted on October 3, 2007 19:02