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Updated April 6, 2011
On March 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan and initiated a series of tsunamis and aftershocks that killed thousands. (In comparison, this earthquake was 32 times the magnitude of the 1906 earthquake that struck San Francisco and northern California.) The earthquake and tsunamis caused serious damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in northern Japan. Japanese authorities continue to work to contain the damage, but radiation has escaped the damaged reactor cores and has contaminated water and soil in Japan. The situation is still developing – for up-to-date information, go to the Japan 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami page on USA.gov.
The following are answers to questions we've received from AVMA members and the public via email and telephone, and are based on our best knowledge at this time. These resources will be updated as the situation changes and/or more information becomes available.
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Quick links to sections within this FAQ:
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Animals in Japan
Q: What's happening to the animals in Japan?
A: In the immediate aftermath, the rescue efforts understandably must focus on preserving and protecting human lives. We're starting to see more reports now about animal rescue efforts, but we don't yet know the full scope of the impact or the rescue efforts needed. This is an ongoing situation, and we still have much to learn.
Unfortunately, animals in the areas surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant may be exposed to potentially harmful radiation. In addition, the animals face starvation and dehydration unless they can find adequate food and water supplies on their own. An April 6 Agence France-Presse report described livestock farmers defying the government-imposed radiation exclusion zone to tend to their animals despite the radiation risk to themselves and the possibility that the livestock will die from predation or starvation or be deemed unsafe to enter the food supply. The report also described that thousands of poultry and livestock have already died due to starvation. There are reports that individual animals have been rescued, but large-scale rescue efforts in these areas are not likely to be made because of the serious risk to the lives of the human rescuers. The ultimate fate of pets and livestock in the exclusion zone is unknown at this time.
Q: Were the two dogs in the viral video rescued?
A: Based on a media report and a number of comments posted on the YouTube video's page, they were rescued. We're working on confirming this, and will update this FAQ when we have more information.
Q: What about pets rescued in Japan – will they be brought to the U.S.? If so, can they contaminate us?
A: There's still much unknown about the situation in Japan, especially with regard to animals. Currently there is no evidence of radiation contamination on pets arriving from Japan. If radiation contamination of pets becomes an issue, guidance for how those pets should be decontaminated will be posted on CDC's website.
For more information about importing pets, the following resources may be helpful to you:
(CDC) Bringing an animal into the United States (dogs and cats)
(USDA) Animal Import: Pet birds (includes information specific to Japan)
(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Import/Export Permits: Pets (exotics and endangered species/wildlife)
Q: What about the pets of Americans stationed or living in Japan – will they be brought to the U.S. with their owners?
A: According to an April 1 blog post by Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., the Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, approximately 5,200 military spouses and children and approximately 235 pets have been transported back to the U.S. from Japan. We don't know how many U.S.-owned pets were living in Japan, and therefore we don't know if this number reflects a percentage or the total number of U.S.-owned pets in Japan.
Q: What is the AVMA doing to help the animals and people in Japan?
A: The AVMA and AVMF are monitoring the situation and are in communication with Japanese officials and with those coordinating international animal rescue and response efforts. We are prepared and ready to provide logistic and financial aid to support the animal rescue and public health efforts in Japan. For more information, view the AVMF's Japan disaster page. As members of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, the AVMA and AVMF provided significant monetary support for the long-term response effort, which has provided assistance for more than 54,000 animals. We anticipate a similar role in the Japanese relief and response effort, if our assistance is requested.
While the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMATs) focus primarily on U.S.-based disaster response, they are prepared to assist in the efforts if and when it is appropriate.
Q: How can I donate pet supplies to Japan?
A: At this time, it's not likely that donated pet supplies will make it to Japan and reach the animals, so it's best not to donate them. If this situation changes and we learn they are accepting donations and have a valid way of getting them shipped and delivered where they're needed, we'll update these FAQs. In the meantime, please consider donating the supplies to your local animal shelter to help animals in need in your area.
Q: How can U.S. veterinarians help their colleagues in Japan?
A: We are in contact with the Japan Veterinary Medical Association and are standing ready and willing to assist our Japanese colleagues as soon as it is determined what and how is most appropriate. In the meantime, we hope you'll share your messages of encouragement and hope with our Japanese colleagues on our Facebook event page. We will share the comments and messages with the Japan VMA. (Pet owners are welcome to express their support on this page as well.)
Q: What can I do to help the animals and people in Japan?
A: The Japan 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami page on USA.gov provides some options for donating to the human relief efforts. In addition, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is managing the overall U.S. response effort in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and is accepting donations.
The response efforts are very complex and are likely to continue for some time, and there are still many safety risks including unstable buildings and structures, flooding, radiation and debris. The Japanese government has not yet requested international assistance for large-scale animal rescue operations, but the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) has established dialog with the government regarding the deployment of animal disaster response teams. If you are interested in making a donation to help the animals in Japan, or to support animal disaster relief and response efforts in general, please visit the AVMF page or the sites of NARSC members.
It's critical that the response and relief efforts are organized and performed by trusted, experienced teams and only with the permission of the responsible government/agency. Self-deployment risks the safety of the animal victims as well as the responders.
Animals in the United States
*Please keep in mind that there is currently no radiation risk to U.S. residents or their animals.
Q: How is the disaster in Japan affecting the environment in the U.S.?
A: It's understandable to be concerned about whether or not this disaster will affect you and your family, but there is no radiation risk to U.S. residents or their animals at this time. Radiation levels are being closely monitored throughout the U.S., and remain well within safe limits for people and pets. The damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors have released radioactive material into the air, but the EPA's and other groups' highly sensitive monitors have detected only very low levels of radioactive material in the air in the U.S. According to a March 27, 2011 statement released by the Health Alert Network (HAN), these levels were expected and are "far below levels of public health concern." Several states have also recently detected elevated levels of radiation in rainwater, but these levels are also still far below levels of public health concern. The EPA stepped up its monitoring as soon as any increased levels were detected, and you can view the results on their Japanese Nuclear Emergency: EPA's Radiation Air Monitoring page.
On March 30, 2011 the EPA and FDA issued a joint release stating that the RADNet screening program had identified a very small increase in iodine-131 in a milk sample from a Spokane, Washington dairy. However, the level detected was still 5,000 times lower than the level set by FDA to be of public health concern, and the agencies stated that the finding is not cause for concern.
On April 4, the EPA issued a release regarding an update on ongoing monitoring. According to that release, the very low levels of radiation detected in the samples are expected following a nuclear incident like this, but the levels remain far below the levels of public health concern. To provide context for the detected levels, the EPA made the following statement: "Drinking water samples from two locations, Boise, Idaho and Richland, Washington, showed trace amounts of Iodine-131 – about 0.2 picocuries per liter in each case. An infant would have to drink almost 7,000 liters of this water to receive a radiation dose equivalent to a day's worth of the natural background radiation exposure we experience continuously from natural sources of radioactivity in our environment."
For more information about monitoring of precipitation, drinking water and milk samples, view the EPA's FAQs.
Q: What's the risk to pets in the U.S.?
A: Currently, there is no radiation risk to pets in the entire U.S. from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan. Radiation levels are being closely monitored throughout the U.S., and remain well within safe limits for people and pets.
Q: What about the sea water? Is it safe for my pet to swim in the ocean?
A: At this time, there is no radiation or chemical risk in the oceans off Hawaii or the mainland U.S. associated with the situation in Japan. If this situation changes, you will be notified by your state's emergency management agency.
The risks inherent with ocean swimming, such as tides and undertow, are certainly always present and should be considered when you take your pets to the beach and let them swim.
Q: What should I do if my pet is exposed to radioactive particles in the environment?
A: At this time, it's really not a risk because the levels of radioactivity found in environment in the U.S. remain far below any levels of public concern, and you don't need to do anything different than you're already doing. However, if you're still concerned and you feel you need to do something, you can wash your pet's coat with soap and water after exposure to whatever has concerned you...but don't forget to use pet-safe soap and avoid getting it in your pet's eyes, ears, nose or mouth.
Q: Should I give my pet potassium iodide tablets?
A: No. The negative effects of taking potassium iodide in the absence of a radiation risk far outweigh the benefits. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people take potassium iodide at this time, and we recommend the same for your pets. At this time, the potential side effects far outweigh the benefits of taking it, and include severe (even life-threatening) allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), hypothyroidism (impaired thyroid function) and heart damage. At high enough levels, it can be fatal.
Also, keep in mind that potassium iodide only protects your thyroid gland from the effects of radiation. It will not protect any other organs in your body from the effects of radiation. For more information about potassium iodide supplementation for radiation exposure, view the CDC's FAQ.
As always, check with your veterinarian before you give your pet any medication. Your veterinarian is your first and best choice for information about your pet's health.
Q: How can I keep my pets/animals and family as safe as possible and reduce the risk of illness caused by radiation?
A: Because there is no radiation risk in the U.S. at this time, there is nothing you need to do differently to protect your family and your animals. If this changes, you will be notified by your state or local emergency agency and you will be instructed on the measures you need to take.
Q: How can I keep an eye on the risks to my family and my animals/pets?
A: Keeping yourself informed about your area is the best thing you can do. If you're worried about radiation levels, check the EPA's RadNet Air Monitoring Data site, which reports the results of continuous air monitoring and regular monitoring of drinking water, milk and precipitation for environmental radiation. Otherwise, keep an eye on the Japan 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami page on USA.gov for regular updates and urgent news and monitor your state's emergency management agency site.
Q: What can I do to protect my family and animals if disaster like the one in Japan occurs in the U.S.?
A: Being prepared for any emergency or disaster is the best thing you can do. Know the risks unique to your area, and prepare for them. For more information about disaster and emergency preparedness, view the AVMA's resources, including our "Saving the Whole Family" booklet (also available in Spanish) and podcasts and videos about preparedness.
April 28, 2011 has been designated as The Great Central U.S. Shakeout, which focuses on earthquake preparation and response. Although this event focuses on the Central U.S., the resources are valuable for the entire U.S. population
Food Safety
Q: Is the U.S. food supply affected by this disaster?
A: Based on current information, there is no risk to the U.S. food supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring the situation in Japan and is working with the Japanese government and other U.S. agencies to continue to ensure that imported food remains safe. The FDA already has a very robust screening process for imports and has staff in place at the ports to monitor incoming products. The FDA does not have concerns with the safety of imported food products that have already reached the U.S. and are in distribution. For additional information, please see the FDA's FAQs.
On March 30, 2011 the EPA and FDA issued a joint release stating that the RADNet screening program had identified a very small increase in iodine-131 in a milk sample from a Spokane, Washington dairy. However, the level detected was still 5,000 times lower than the level set by FDA to be of public health concern, and the agencies stated that the finding is not cause for concern. It is still safe to consume dairy products in the U.S.
Q: Is it safe for me and my family to eat Kobe beef (or other Japanese beef) or Japanese-origin sushi here in the U.S.?
A: Yes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not believe there should be concern over imported meat, poultry or egg products from Japan for a number of reasons:
- Japan has not exported any beef products to the U.S. for nearly a year because of pre-existing U.S. import regulations;
- Also because of pre-existing U.S. import regulations, Japan has not been eligible to export any poultry products or processed egg products to the U.S.
- Less than 2% of the seafood consumed in the United States is imported from Japan. Federal seafood safety experts, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are working together to closely monitor the situation in Japan. These experts will continue to ensure that imported seafood remains safe.
- Monitoring of food and animal feeds for unsafe substances, including radiological materials, is a part of inspection procedures for commodities and conveyances entering the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of food for human consumption (those commodities not under USDA authorities) and for animal feeds.
- Due to the heightened awareness of the current risk posed by the situation in Japan, it is unlikely that radiological substances would go undetected through this surveillance monitoring.
The recent reports of increased levels of radioactivity in fish and seawater near the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant have not changed the situation for the U.S. regarding the safety of our food supply, including seafood.
Q: Is it safe for me and my family to eat U.S.-origin seafood obtained from Hawaii or the U.S. Pacific coast?
A: Yes. As we've already said, the radiation risk is extremely low. In addition, agencies from the Pacific states are closely monitoring water conditions and will notify state residents and federal authorities if there are any concerns. As usual, though, the safety of seafood from any area is impacted by toxins or beach closures unrelated to the events in Japan, and these situations will continue to be addressed as they have in the past.
In the unlikely event that airborne pollutants could affect U.S.-origin fish or fish imported to the U.S., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure frequent testing of seafood caught in those areas, and inspection of facilities that process and sell seafood from those areas to make sure they remain safe.
The recent reports of increased levels of radioactivity in fish and seawater near the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant have not changed the situation for the U.S. regarding the safety of our food supply, including seafood.
Animals and Radiation
We've provided the following answers because we've received these questions via phone and email and we felt it is important to provide pet owners with information. However, keep in mind that there is currently no radiation risk to U.S. residents or their animals.
We still have much to learn about protecting pets and other animals from radiation, as well as appropriate and effective decontamination procedures for animals exposed to radiation. The answers here were developed based on our current knowledge. As additional resources and information become available, we will update these FAQs and our resource list.
Q: What are the signs of radiation sickness in pets and other animals?
A: Radiation most significantly affects the rapidly-growing cells in our bodies, such as those found in the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow and skin, and it affects people and animals in the same way. The severity of the problem is based on the severity of the exposure – obviously, higher doses of radiation over a shorter period of time would be expected to cause quicker-onset and more severe signs of disease.
Signs of radiation sickness in animals will vary with exposure and can include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, hair loss, skin rash/burns, abnormal behavior, seizures, coma and death. Delayed effects can include recurrent infections, anemia (due to damage to the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow), cancer and infertility.
*Please note that these signs are not specific to radiation exposure/sickness and can result from many other conditions and illnesses, including many poisonings/intoxications. Since there is no radiation risk to U.S. residents or their pets at this time, you should seek veterinary attention if your pet exhibits any of these sign because they are not likely to be the result of radiation exposure.
Q: How much radiation is dangerous?
A: There's not a "magic number" we can give you that applies to all animals that will tell you if levels are "safe" or dangerous for your pet – an animal's (or person's, for that matter) response to radiation exposure depends on the dose, duration and type of radiation to which they're exposed, as well as their sensitivity to that radiation. Mammals are generally considered more sensitive than birds, amphibians and reptiles to radiation's effects. Humans are among the most sensitive mammals, so using levels set for human exposure are (fortunately) conservative for pets and other animals; therefore, if you are notified that you and your family should take precautions to protect yourselves, we recommend you include protecting your pets and other animals as well.
...and please don't forget that the current readings for radioactive materials in environment in the U.S. are far below any level of concern for human or animal health.
Additional information and resources:
www.ready.gov
USA.gov
Japan 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami page on USA.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Public Health Focus > Radiation Safety
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Food Animal Residue Avoidance and Depletion program (FARAD)
Radioactive fallout contamination of food-producing animals and food safety considerations
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Travel Warning from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: Japan (March 21, 2011)
Spanish resources
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