Iowa is upping its ante to be better prepared for defending our porkindustry from foot and mouth disease, or F-M-D. State Ag Secretary PattyJudge says a new veterinarian is being added to her staff to zero in onforeign animal diseases. Judge says the new veterinarian, Iowa native Dr.Pat Webb, will start work with the state ag department tomorrow (Friday).Dr. Webb is an Iowa State University grad. Judge says Webb’s first task willbe to develop standard operating procedures for the ag department throughthe F-M-D emergency response plan. Judge says Iowa -must- be better preparedfor that and other diseases which could devastate our livestock industry.Judge says the new veterinary position is being funded for one year, afterwhich time it will be evaluated.