State vet to speak at foot-and-mouth forums

AUGUSTA – Maine State Veterinarian Don Hoenig will address concerned audiences across the state about the effects of foot-and-mouth disease.

Hoenig, who recently returned from four weeks in England where the disease has decimated the livestock population, will speak about his experiences in England and the implications of the disease.

He will also provide farmers with a list of precautions they can take to keep their farms free of foot-and-mouth.

Shelley Doak, director of the Maine Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Division, said Wednesday that the meetings are not just for farmers.

“We wanted to host a series of meetings to the give the opportunity to Maine people, whether within agriculture, or travelers, or just interested citizens, to ask questions,” Doak said.

“We have received many, many calls, not just from those in agriculture,” she said. “They want a firsthand accounting of what is going on in England, and they want to know what they can do to be a part of keeping foot-and-mouth out of Maine.”

The meetings will be held at:

. 1 p.m. May 9, Presque Isle Cooperative Extension Office.

. 7 p.m. May 14, Morris Farm, Wiscasset.

. 7 p.m. May 15, Waldo County Extension Office, Belfast.

. 10:30 a.m. May 17, Skowhegan Recreation Center, Route 2.

. 7 p.m. May 17, Dover-Foxcroft YMCA, Park Street.

For more information, contact Judy Perry at 287-3419.