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Dave
I seriously doubt the whole story. Park Rangers do not threaten to shoot people. There is nothing I could find that says PEOPLE from countries where HMD is present cannot get hiking permits in our National Parks. Their livestock, of course, but people? No.
Here is a fact sheet from the USDA division of Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/animal_health/2013/fs_fmd_hcd_protection.pdfThere is no mention about not being able to get hiking permits for our National Parks if you are from or have recently visited a country with HMD but it does say this for travelers returning to the US from trips abroad " Upon return to the United States, travelers to foreign countries should note on the U.S. Customs Declaration form any visits to farms, ranches, or other areas where livestock are raised or kept. Visits to zoos, circuses, fairs, and other facilities and events where animals are exhibited also need to be noted. Report these types of visits on the form by answering “yes” to the following questions: • 11-D. Are you bringing with you soil or have you been on a farm/ranch/pasture outside the United States? • 12. Have you or any family members traveling with you been in close proximity of (such as touching or handling) livestock outside the United States?
Follow a “5-day” rule. If you visited a farm or had any contact with livestock on your trip, avoid all contact with livestock, zoo animals, or wildlife for 5 days after your return to the United States." You are also not supposed to bring in any milk, meat or other at risk materials into the US.
I hate to assume this but if you are not going to a park before that 5 day rule, then there should be no issue with getting a hiking permit.
I am with you, I doubt the validity of the story and feel it was written as a hype and for entertainment but not for facts.