The "Emerging & Exotic Diseases of Animals" online course will be offered for continuing education beginning July 26, 2017.

The moderator will be available until Sept. 8, and participants will have access to the course until Sept. 30.

The course covers the causes and consequences of foreign animal diseases, how these diseases are transmitted and introduced, the entities involved in a response to a foreign animal disease outbreak, what to do if a foreign animal disease is suspected, how veterinarians can be involved in the response and effective communication strategies.

This course has been offered for 15 years and is currently used at all U.S. veterinary schools. It is an excellent refresher for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, animal health industry employees and government officials interested in high-consequence animal diseases and the response to them.

Participants can interact with the instructor and other students via a message board. A recommended weekly schedule is provided, but participants can work at their own pace and complete the assignments based on their schedules.

The cost to take the course is $250. It has been approved for up to 46 hours of continuing education through the Registry of Approved Continuing Education of the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Participants receive the Transboundary & Emerging Diseases of Animals textbook, a $75 value (additional fees apply to cover shipping costs outside the U.S.).

Course moderator Dr. Jesse Hostetter, professor in the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said, “Professionals who take this course will gain a better understanding of clinical presentation, diagnosis and response to significant foreign animal diseases and the role individuals can play in response to them.”

To find out more and register, visit www.cfsph.iastate.edu/EEDA-Course.