Foot and mouth advisory

[Dan Romanchik]

The AAA has just issued this press release. I'm not sure of the status of
foot and mouth in northern Spain, but it is something to keep in mind.

Dan

AAA Urges Transatlantic Travelers to Help Protect U.S. Livestock Industry

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 20, 2001--Americans returning home
from across the Atlantic are urged to help protect the United States'
livestock industry from an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, AAA said
today.
    AAA - the nation's largest leisure travel agency - said by following
recommendations and prohibitions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
foreign travelers can help prevent the introduction of this extremely
contagious disease that is devastating to cloven-hoofed animals, but is not
considered a human health threat.
    Travelers may safely enter and depart Europe but should be aware of the
following information, AAA said.
    Five days prior to departure, travelers returning from Europe should
avoid zoos, fairs, farms, barns, stockyards, animal clinics and other areas
where cloven-hoofed animals may be present or have been present.
    All clothing, shoes and any other personal items that may be soiled
should be washed or wiped with a mild bleach solution (five teaspoons of
bleach to one gallon of water) before travel back to the U.S.
    No agricultural products, particularly animal products, may be brought
into the U.S. from Europe and violations may result in penalties of up to
$1,000. Customs and USDA officials also are to be notified of any farm or
animal contact by travelers entering the country from Europe.
    Travelers into the U.S. should be prepared for extra agricultural
inspections that may include the use of specially trained dogs, instructions
to walk on disinfectant-soaked mats and requests that personal items be
washed before entry.
    Upon arrival in the U.S., travelers should avoid any contact with
livestock or wildlife for five days. Those who work with or near animals
should take the extra precautions of showering, shampooing and wearing only
clean clothing not worn overseas.
    Travelers departing for Europe should be aware that many public lands,
parks, historic sites and sporting venues have been temporarily closed to
visitors due to the outbreak of the disease; especially in Great Britain.