MANHATTAN, Kan. – For nearly three months now, veterinarians across the United States have been peppered with questions about the highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease that has devastated the livestock economies of many countries.

The questions are being asked for good reason. Farmers fear that onset of the disease – which affects such cloven-hoofed animals as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and deer – will mean the destruction of entire herds. News media coverage has underscored the disease’s devastating effects on local economies and European consumers’ confidence.

Veterinarians at Kansas State University are helping provide answers with a newly-activated Website on foot-and-mouth disease. The web address is http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/fmd/.

"Our intent is to provide livestock producers and veterinarians within the state general information about foot-and-mouth disease and what Kansas’ response would be to an outbreak in the United States, should one occur," said Mark Spire, a veterinarian with K-State Research and Extension.

In the United Kingdom, which many believe is where the current outbreak started in late February, officials have confirmed 1,543 cases of FMD. As of May 3, UK officials report that they have slaughtered more than 2.5 million animals suspected of having the disease, with an additional 112,000 awaiting slaughter. Losses due to foot-and-mouth will reach the billions of dollars in the United Kingdom, according to estimates.

U.S. government officials say that similar proportions of slaughter could be expected if the disease enters the United States.

Spire said that providing information to farmers, veterinarians, Extension agents and many others is a key step in helping prevent the spread of FMD in the United States. He added that efforts to educate Americans about FMD and other animal diseases will boost the country’s biosecurity plans, helping prevent future outbreaks.

Some of the questions answered on the Website include:

* Is FMD related to mad cow disease?

* What steps are being taken to keep foot-and-mouth out of the United States?

* Is Kansas prepared if the foot-and-mouth virus should enter the United States?

* Who is in charge of the animal disease emergency preparedness program in Kansas?

The Website also lists key contacts for producers who suspect an animal is showing signs of FMD, such as salivating excessively or lameness.

The first thing to know – because the disease is so contagious – is: Do not leave the farm.

"Then, get in touch with your local veterinarian or call one of the state veterinarians," Spire said. "The thing you do not want to do is go down to the coffee shop...or drive your truck to other farms, because this virus can be carried on clothes and truck tires [among other ways]. The best thing to do is go back in your home and call a veterinarian."

In Kansas, animal health officials are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 785-296-2326.