Development of an Animal Emergency/Biosecurity Management Course

Livestock production is a key component of American agriculture. Threats to livestock production include natural disasters, disease outbreaks, agroterrorism, and other emergencies. Response to these types of events will require the cooperation and interaction of a variety of different professionals. First responders, public health workers and other emergency personnel are well versed in emergency management procedures, but often have little understanding of agriculture. Conversely, farmers, agribusinesses, first detectors, and other agricultural professionals often have limited experience in emergency management procedures. Therefore, it is vitally important for all parties involved to have a deeper understanding of proper interdisciplinary animal emergency management procedures. The development and implementation of the Animal Emergency/Biosecurity Management Course will address these issues by empowering students to: identify risks and threats; improve animal emergency/biosecurity practices; improve detection, response times, and reporting; implement proactive biosecurity measures; increase safety and efficiency in animal emergency response; mitigate social, economic, and human health risks; and apply principles of the four phases of emergency management. The diversity and expertise of the personnel on the University of Kentucky project team, as well as unique technological resources, will ensure a highly interactive and educational multi-media course in animal emergency and biosecurity management. Use of the course and accompanying training materials will strengthen the animal industry through the promotion of best animal management practices. Reviewers and beta testers will evaluate the course during development. Students will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course, as measured by a passing score on the final examination. The course delivery system records frequently missed questions on the exams; this information will facilitate modifications of course content to optimize student learning. An assessment tool will be used to evaluate the following: adoption of course material into local Extension programs; changes in base-line knowledge of animal emergency management issues; incorporation of best management practices on farms; adoption of proactive biosecurity measures by the industry; and safer and more efficient responses to animal emergencies, especially among non-agricultural personnel.