During the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2015, many poultry companies recognized the need to better prepare and implement response plans to such incidents as well as improve collaboration with federal response agencies.

All government agencies are mandated to use a standardized, all-hazards approach and organizational structure when responding to natural disasters, disease outbreaks or other crises. This approach is called the "Incident Command System" (ICS). Although the private sector is not required to use the ICS structure, companies that are at least familiar with the system are in a better position to anticipate the response and coordinate with responding agencies.

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Assn. (USPOULTRY) is releasing a CD-based guide explaining the purpose of incident response planning, providing a general outline of ICS and including a comprehensive template to build an incident management team, helping plan and track actions during an emergency situation. The materials were developed by the Georgia Tech Research Institute with input and review by USPOULTRY and the United Egg Producers.

The CD is available free of charge to USPOULTRY member companies and may be purchased for $200 by non-members. Copies of the CD may be ordered online by clicking here.

USPOULTRY is the all-feather organization representing the complete spectrum of today’s poultry industry. Its mission is to progressively serve member companies through research, education, communication and technical assistance. USPOULTRY was founded in 1947 and is based in Tucker, Ga.