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

    ORLANDO, Fla.--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.
    As North America's largest motoring and travel organization, AAA provides its 44 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.