Training Agricultural Emergency Responders by Paula L. Cowen, D.V.M., Director, Professional Development Staff, Veterinary Services, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Background Emergency Response is a critical component of our Animal Agriculture infrastructure. The ability to deploy trained personnel to handle any kind of emergency is key to quickly containing any disaster and mitigating the effects. This training is provided by a number of federal agencies, universities as well as at the state and local level.

Several training strategies are employed by a number of different entities. Training is available on-line, in the classroom, with wet labs using live animals, through exercises and case studies. An overview of training and education of Agricultural Emergency Response personnel across the United States will be covered with a more in depth look at the training provided by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service.

The Professional Development Staff provides technical training in disease identification and control, emergency response, import/export, and other topics as needed. Protecting and promoting American Animal Agriculture is our core mission. Veterinary Services provides leadership at the intersection of Animal and Public Health concerns.