The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has elevated the terrorism threat level to ORANGE, which indicates a high risk of attack to U.S. interests both domestically and overseas.

As a result of the increased security level, foreign animal disease (FAD) surveillance should be increased nationwide. We encourage each of you, whether you are involved in disease diagnosis, animal movement, or livestock production and marketing, to be particularly aware of any indication that could signal the occurrence of a highly contagious disease or any other unusual or unexplained adverse animal health event. No potential FAD cases should be disregarded. Potential hoaxes should be treated as suspect incursions of a disease until proven otherwise. Specific attention should be directed at livestock and poultry concentration points.

Be particularly alert to these five signs:

1. Sudden, unexplained death loss in the herd or flock
2. Severe illness affecting a high percentage of the animals.
3. Blistering around an animal's mouth, nose, teats or hooves.
4. Unusual ticks or maggots.
5. Staggering, falling or central nervous system disorders.

If you see something unusual, contact your local law enforcement authorities immediately and notify the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242 (or, if you reside outside Texas, please contact your state veterinarian's office).