Movement Permits

Stopping movement of animals and their products is one way to prevent FMD spread. A state-issued permit is required to restart movement in FMD Control Areas. Permits are based on the risk of the movement. Guidance for getting a movement permit is in the SBS Plan and other resources shown here. Additional steps may be required in an actual outbreak.

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Conditions for Cattle Movement Permits

As detailed in Table 1 of the SBS Plan (pdf):

  1. Traceability information is available.
  2. Biosecurity measures listed in the [Enhanced] Biosecurity Checklist are in place and acceptable to officials.
  3. Premises is not Infected, Suspect, or Contact. 
  4. Destination premises and State are willing to accept cattle, germplasm.
  5. No evidence of infection based on monitoring for disease (surveillance).

Germplasm (Semen, Embryos) and High Genomic Cattle Movement Permit Guidance: BGMP

The Bovine Germplasm Movement Plan (BGMP) guidance describes considerations to meet the “No evidence of infection…” criteria. Appendix E has a movement guidance table for high genomic merit animals entering the germplasm segment of the industry, as well as semen and embryos. An overview is available in the BGMP Executive Summary.

Livestock Grazing Public Lands Movement Permit Guidance

Managing livestock grazing public lands in an FMD outbreak poses unique challenges for ranchers. An effective response will require interagency collaboration. An Advisory Group of public land grazing stakeholders worked together to determine livestock management options and movement decision criteria guidance. An overview is provided in the Movement Decision Criteria Executive Summary document and the Grazing Public Lands in an FMD Outbreak video.

Cattle, Sheep Grazing Federal Public Lands Permit Guidance:
Conditions for Moving Within Control Area

  1. Traceability information is available.
  2. Enhanced biosecurity steps are described through records, interviews, or observations and acceptable to officials.
  3. Premises is not Infected, Suspect, or Contact.
  4. Destination premises* and State are willing to accept cattle, sheep.
  5. No evidence of infection based on monitoring for disease (surveillance) conducted within the same Control Area**.

Cattle, Sheep Grazing Federal Public Lands Permit Guidance:
Conditions for Leaving Control Area

There may be times that it is necessary for livestock to leave the Control Area. The above criteria should be met with a few differences noted here.

  • * Destination premises is a biosecure location that meets quarantine requirements (no direct or indirect contact with susceptible species for at least 28 days).
  • ** Monitoring for disease (surveillance) can be conducted at the destination premises for at least 28 days.

Animal Product Movement

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is NOT a public health or food safety concern. Product that has passed USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection is safe and wholesome for human consumption. Products exempt from Movement Standstill include USDA FSIS-inspected susceptible animal products or other negligible risk products. The Meat Institute provides guidance for packers on FAD Preparedness.