The Secure Goat, Milk & Mohair Supply Plan (SGMMS) was developed to provide guidance on issuing movement permits for goats and goat products with no evidence of FMD infection that are moving from production sites to another site, to harvest, and to processing. This business continuity approach for the goat industry aligns with Responsible Regulatory Officials (RROs)’ goals of containing disease and controlling its spread while ensuring a secure food supply for consumers. RROs are responsible for detecting, controlling, and containing FMD as quickly as possible during an outbreak, with eradication being the ultimate goal. RROs managing the incident will make permitting decisions regarding the movements of goats and goat products within, into, out of, and through Control Areas based on the unique characteristics of the outbreak, the status of the premises, and the risks and mitigations involved with the types of movement.

The SGMMS Plan acknowledges that decisions will be made by RROs based on the unique characteristics of the outbreak.

Based on the results of a survey of State Animal Health Officials in 2018, state and federal foreign animal disease exercises, and strategies used to control FMD in other countries, the Managed Movement of Susceptible Livestock Species during a U.S. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Outbreak: Considerations for Regulatory Officials highlights issues that each state should consider when drafting emergency preparedness and response plans.

FMD is not a public health or food safety concern. Meat is safe to eat, and milk is safe to drink. Processing of edible meat and milk products being sold should follow standard state and federal inspection and licensing regulations.