The following precautions endorsed by the CVMBS and the Colorado State Veterinarian have been specifically targeted at preventing FMD exposure at CVMBS facilities.  Policies listed below must be followed by all CVMBS personnel and students in addition to the general Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Biosecurity Policies:

1. The risk of introduction and transmission of FMD is a special concern to the CVMBS because of its extremely contagious nature.  The virus can be transmitted long distances in aerosols, and can survive in contaminated materials such as on hair, shoes, or clothing, or in soil and feces for weeks.  In addition, virus can be carried in the nasopharynx of exposed humans or animals for 2 days or more.  All cloven hoofed animals, including domestic livestock and wildlife, are considered susceptible.

 
2. Any possible exposure of people or animals to FMD must be immediately made known to the CVMBS Director of Biosecurity and other appropriate administrative personnel.

 
3. All CVMBS facilities, including laboratories, classrooms, offices, veterinary facilities, and animal handling or housing facilities, are considered animal agricultural facilities for the purposes of FMD biosecurity.  This policy is based on the understanding that it is impossible to predict where CVMBS personnel and students that work with susceptible animals might indirectly contact infectious material. 

 
4. All people that have traveled within the past 7 days from or through countries where FMD is present must take adequate precautions prior to entering any CVMBS facilities.  These precautions might be taken prior to travel when appropriate.

 
• Clothing brought from another country must be laundered or dry-cleaned prior to entering CVMBS facilities.  This includes outerwear such as coats.

 
• Footwear, watches, jewelry, and other similar items must be washed and disinfected.  Disinfectants may include appropriate dilutions, citric acid, acetic acid (vinegar), sodium carbonate, quaternary ammonium compounds, or phenolic compounds.

 
• No animal products that could be contaminated with FMD should be brought from other countries.  This includes food items.

 
• Upon entering the U.S., persons traveling from other countries must fully disclose to customs and USDA representatives their intent to visit an agriculture facility in the U.S.  They also must fully disclose any animal materials or products that are being brought into the U.S.

 
• CVMBS personnel hosting scientists, veterinarians, students, or other visitors are responsible for alerting these visitors to CVMBS policies regarding FMD biosecurity, and for ensuring that all appropriate precautions have been taken.  It is preferable that FMD biosecurity policies are provided to visitors prior to traveling.  Any concerns regarding visitors full compliance with these policies must be made known to appropriate administrative personnel prior to allowing their entry to CVMBS facilities.

 
5. People transporting non-susceptible animals (e.g., dogs, cats, horses, etc) that have traveled from or through countries where FMD is present must adhere to the general FAD Biosecurity Policies. 

 
6. All state and federal regulations must be strictly followed regarding animals that have been transported from or through FMD-positive countries. 

 
7. All persons traveling from or through FMD-positive countries must strictly avoid direct contact with animals or their environments for 7 days.  When possible, these people should also avoid visiting all CVMBS facilities for 7 days. 

 
8. All personnel and students should be alert for evidence of vesicular diseases in animals.  Any evidence of vesicular disease should be immediately reported to the Director of Biosecurity and appropriate administrative personnel.