Washing shoes after farms

I've read in the excursion descriptions that you are required to wash your shoes upon returning from some excursions in New Zealand that visit farms. You then need to have these shoes inspected. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions?

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Here is an explanation of why they do this.

Source:

http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/agri_prod_inus.xml

"Also declare if you have been on a farm or in close proximity of livestock, as an agriculture specialist may need to check your shoes or luggage for traces of soil that could harbor foreign animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth."

I travel a lot internationally and have noticed many countries now ask on the customs declaration form if you have been on a farm in the last 30 days. Presumably, if you answer "yes" you get to talk to the shoe inspector.

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That's true and when you answer that yes you have been on a farm in the last 30 days, they do indeed ask you to stick your shoes in a machine that "sanitizes" them. 3 people who remain nameless answered the question. 2 said no not on the farm and 1 said on the farm 3 weeks ago. That 1 visited with the shoe inspector and the other 2 had to wait 10 extra minutes for her on the other side of customs:rolleyes:

Now I well know why they ask this question and the purpose of keeping harm from farms, BUT I wasn't wearing the same shoes as had been on the farm in Argentina and I had been in 6 countries since then. Doesn't seem to do much good to wash the shoes I am wearing to come back into the US. Educate me if I was wrong to "forget" the lovely farm we visited.

I agree. The shoes I wear on the plane are not the same ones I would wear on excursions. Interesting.

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I agree. The shoes I wear on the plane are not the same ones I would wear on excursions. Interesting.

 

 

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Just curious--what does your screen name mean? Did you by any chance previously work for the CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board) in DC?

Nothing exciting. Just my initials.

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