The North Dakota State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) issued an emergency order Tuesday, in an effort to prevent the introduction of foot and mouth disease (FMD) into the state.

“The headlines from Europe are a clear warning of the impact foot and mouth disease would have on our livestock industry,” said Larry Schuler, DVM, North Dakota state veterinarian. “The board’s actions are a carefully measured response to a very real threat.”

The BOAH ordered that no horses or cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs, originating from a FMD-infected country will be allowed to enter North Dakota either by direct or indirect shipment until 6 months after the country of origin is declared FMD-free by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE)