. .

Stephen M. Apatow
Director of Research and Development 
Humanitarian Resource Institute Biodefense Reference Library
Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Center
Eastern USA: (203) 668-0282   Western USA: (775) 884-4680
Internet: http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/fazdc/
Email: s.m.apatow@humanitarian.net

STATES SOLIDIFY FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS

The State of Washington Department of Agriculture is leading the nation in efforts establish solid contingency plans for any foreign animal disease outbreak.  In the January 2003 Quarterly Animal Health Newsletter, State Veterinarians Message, Dr. Robert W. Mead shared: 

"Shortly, all large animal clinics on our mailing list will receive a letter detailing the veterinary reserve group that we want to set up to help deal with foreign animal diseases, should one occur in our state. It was mentioned in the last newsletter and we have five names from that early announcement. There is an FAD on-line course with an exam and a certificate if you submit the test. That course will give you a start on your training. The certificate will be a prerequisite for the reserve members. For the course, go to http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/fazdc/fadc1/ "

From the cooperative agreement---Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) will establish a group of approximately 25 reserve veterinary medical officers (VMO) from the ranks of private veterinary practitioners in the state.  This group will be available to WSDA and USDA as temporary hire employees in the event of an emergency response.  WSDA will hire or contract a coordinator for the recruitment, selection, training and management of this group.

An initial training will be provided to the reserve VMOs to include an overview of foreign and emerging diseases, other risks to the livestock population, the concept of local, state and federal emergency and response plans.  Upon completion of the initial training, the reserve VMOs will be periodically updated with relevant disease and response planning information. 

Related Information:

• AVMA: Disaster Preparedness Series: The American Veterinary Medical Association.
• ACVPM News and Views, Winter 2003, Vol 67:  In the article: Are You Ready for Agroterrorism?:  There are several websites specifically devoted to agroterrorism that are worth a look. Among these, the Agroterrorism Resources page from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, http://ianrhome.unl.edu/inthenews/agroterrorism.shtml and Biodefense Reference Library of the Humanitarian Resources Institute (http://www.humanitarian.net/biodefense/fazdc/fadc1/) are standouts. The latter contains links to an online course for veterinary students on emerging and exotic animal diseases from Iowa State University. I found the discussions of state and federal actions especially helpful. Lastly, the Humanitarian Resources Institute offers a 200 question self-test on FAD based on the Gray Book as well as a completion certificate if you make a $25 donation. The American College of Veterinary Preventative Medicine:strives to enhance all aspects of veterinary preventive medicine affecting the improvement and maintenance of animal and human health. 
• AFPMB: Foreign Animal Disease Online Course: Armed Forces Pest Management Board.
• AAEP:  Emergency & Disastrer Preparedness: National resources, American Association of Equine Practitioners
• ProMED: Announcements 2003 (01): 1] FAO/WHO/OIE Electronic Conference on VPH and Control of Zoonoses, [2] Foreign Animal Disease Online Course, 18 January 2003.

• Agricultural Security and Emergency Preparedness: Protecting One of America's Critical Infrastructures. Stephen M. Apatow, HRIBRL Discussion Paper ASEP-2001-12, Humanitarian Resource Institute, December 2001
• Impact of the Foot and Mouth Epidemic on the Equestrian Industry in the UK - A Reference Point for the United States. Stephen M. Apatow, HRIBRL Discussion Paper FMDEI-2001-12, Humanitarian Resource Institute, December 2001.