Nonetheless, some Americans hang on to their weapons because they enjoy hunting or target practice, or live in places with too many wild animals or too few policemen.

ECONOMIST: Despite legislative victories, the NRA is under pressure

Children have been affected too - many have witnesses burning piles of dead animals close to their home or were sent away from home if the crisis caused their farm to go into quarantine.

BBC: Help for stressed foot-and-mouth farmers

Hoenig, the Maine state veterinarian, said the allegations included keeping too many birds in cases, failing to treat injured chickens or promptly remove dead animals, and improper euthanization.

CNN: No further egg recalls expected, feds say