Exhibit 8, 100416 Brazil FMD Risk Evaluation - R-Calf

ASF
As with SVD, there is little information on the cost of control and eradication of ASF in a previously
free region. In the absence of specific data on the cost of control and eradication, APHIS assumes a
baseline cost similar to that of a small- to medium-sized CSF outbreak (see above).
While these examples estimate a more severe outcome of an outbreak, the consequences could be
lessened if the outbreak was detected earlier and appropriate controls implemented to quickly
eradicate the disease.
Environmental consequences
Environmental consequences resulting from introduction of FMD, CSF, SVD, or ASF would
primarily occur from disposal of carcasses due to death from disease or depopulation of herds, as
well as disposal of contaminated bedding and manure. The methods of disposal employed in
response to an outbreak would affect the environment differently. Disposal of contaminated
materials could potentially affect air, water, and soil quality, as well as potentially releasing live
virus into the environment.
Disposal options previously employed in other countries in response to large-scale animal disease
outbreaks include rendering, burial, and incineration. Factors influencing the decision as to which
methods of disposal to use include the volume of contaminated material (dependent on the number
of animals affected), geographic features (such as soil and surface water) of the areas where
outbreaks occur, other environmental considerations such as weather and ambient temperature, and
available emergency resources such as funds, equipment, and personnel. The environmental
consequences of an outbreak of one of these diseases in the United States could vary from marginal
to extreme depending on factors related to disposal of contaminated carcasses and materials.
Public health consequences
Although APHIS’ regulatory authority does not cover public health consequences, this assessment
briefly addresses the issue. Direct public health consequences are insubstantial because the
occurrence of FMD, CSF, SVD, or ASF virus in humans is quite rare. In fact, the number of cases
reported is so small compared with the number of persons exposed to these viruses that the World
Health Organization generally does not consider FMD, CSF, SVD, or ASF to be threats to humans.
Perhaps more importantly, a substantial foreign animal disease outbreak can result in severe
psychosocial effects on farmers and farming communities. Farmers and their families can suffer
from grief over losing animals, in some cases bloodlines kept over many generations, as well as loss
of control over their lives due to movement restrictions, disruptions in community life, and shortand
long-term financial stress.
Indirect consequences
In addition to the direct costs of FMD, CSF, SVD, or ASF introduction, the effect on international
trade and related domestic consequences must also be considered. Export losses caused by trade
APHIS Evaluation of the Status of the Brazilian State of Santa Catarina 68