In response to concerns raised by AASV and others regarding the potential for disease spread from the island of Hispaniola following the recent earthquakes, the USDA has posted on its website a reminder outlining the precautions to be taken by responders returning to the U.S. The document can be viewed at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/emergency_response/downloads/ani_prod_guid_haiti_responders_return_us.pdf
USDA considers Haiti to be affected with the following economically important foreign animal diseases: classical swine fever, Teschen’s disease, exotic Newcastle disease (END) and New World screwworm. Additionally, the increased emergency influx of foreign personnel, vehicles and equipment into Haiti creates a potential pathway for the entry of other foreign animal diseases (FAD) into Haiti, such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, which present an even greater threat to our US animal health.
As a returning emergency responder you can help prevent the entry of FADs from Haiti by strictly adhering to the guidelines outlined in the document when determining whether animal products or equipment should be allowed to enter the United States.
The document outlines what to do with animal products and potentially contaminated equipment, which can serve as methods of disease transmission. FADs, in particular FMD and END, can be readily carried into the United States by soil contaminated equipment and footwear. Controlling soil contamination is of prime importance to prevent the entry of FADs.
Any items contaminated with soils must not be allowed to enter the United States. Contaminated footwear must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to embarking the returning aircraft or vessel by removing all visible excess soil and applying a 0.1% solution of sodium hypochlorite.
A 0.1% solution of sodium hypochlorite can be prepared by adding 5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces) of a 5.25% solution of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water (or 1 gallon of chlorine bleach to 50 gallons of water) or adding 4 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon (2.3 ounces or 65 ml) of a 6% solution of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water (or 13 cups of chlorine bleach to 50 gallons of water). The solution must be mixed thoroughly prior to use. Remember to wear personal protective equipment when preparing disinfectant solutions.
In addition, as with all highly contagious animal diseases, the USDA recommends a downtime of at least 5 days following exposure to potentially infected animals before contact with susceptible livestock species upon returning to the U.S.