Supply & Prices

Though FMD does not pose a threat to food safety or human health, it is vital to prevent the disease from entering and spreading in the U.S. because it can negatively impact the food supply due to decreased industry production. If an FMD outbreak reduced the amount of meat and milk that’s produced, you might pay more for these products at grocery stores and restaurants.

Economic & Trade Impacts

Preventing FMD from entering the U.S. is important to uphold a vital part of the national economy. Annually, the beef industry contributes $167 billion in gross sales to the national economy, along with thousands of jobs. These significant economic contributions would not be possible if animals were needlessly suffering and unable to produce at their normal rate. 

Following an FMD outbreak, it would take years—if ever—to ramp up production and international trade back to where it was prior to the outbreak. This means that the consequences and economic loss of an FMD outbreak would last for many years.

Explore More Topics

Family in field with cattle

Consumer Safety

According to the USDA, FDA, CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), FMD is not a threat to food safety or human health.

 Learn More 

Monitoring

Monitoring + Prevention

Find out how farmers and ranchers are working with professionals to avoid an FMD outbreak.

 Learn More 

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the USDA, FDA, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), FMD is not a threat to food safety or human health. It is safe to consume meat and milk.
The burden of these costs would likely fall on the farmers and ranchers. Without the ability to make a profit on the beef they’ve raised, they would likely have to downsize their ranch, lay off staff and possibly even sell their businesses. 
The potential cost of an FMD outbreak in the United States has been estimated to exceed $50 billion, according to a 2012 study. According to a 2011 study from Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development, an uncontrolled FMD outbreak in the U.S. could cause economic losses of approximately $200 billion spread over 10 years.