Animal disease emergencies involving livestock and poultry diseases of high consequence or foreign origin will have serious economic consequences at the local, state and national level. The rapid detection and response needed will require the collaboration of trained responders from all levels of government and industry at the local, state and federal levels.

The Center for Food Security & Public Health (CFSPH) at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine will offer a web-based course Sept. 20-30, "Animal Disease Emergencies: Understanding the Response."

The cost for the course is $100. To find out more and to register, visit www.cfsph.iastate.edu/ADE-Course.

This awareness level, web-based course is designed for anyone who may be involved in an animal disease response, including veterinary and animal health responders, livestock or poultry industry groups and producers, CFSPH said. Traditional responders, such as emergency managers, law enforcement and fire department professionals can also benefit and learn the roles they may have during responses.

The course provides a basic understanding of the actions needed to detect, contain and control these diseases to better prepare responders for the tasks needed during the response to better protect animal health, human health and our economy. Access to additional training resources and response plans is provided.

The course is approved for 4.0 hours of veterinary continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval.

Dr. Glenda Dvorak, course instructor and CFSPH assistant director, explained, “This course will help responders gain a better understanding of animal disease emergencies, the response organization, coordination, tasks and goals, which will help better prepare our nation for an effective and efficient response for these situations.”

CFSPH is nationally and internationally recognized for providing educational materials and animal disease information. CFSPH was established in 2002 through funding from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to increase national and international preparedness for accidental or intentional introduction of diseases that threaten food production or public health.