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Livestock producers invited to USDA outbreak preparedness scenario

URBANA, Ill. – Are you prepared for a disease outbreak that threatens U.S. livestock?

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will host a U.S. Department of Agriculture backed online exercise to bring together a broad spectrum of livestock industry stakeholders to work in collaboration to improve our capability to respond to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, FMD, affecting U.S. livestock production. 

From September 8 to 11, participants will meet virtually two to three hours daily to share information and brainstorm about response strategies for an outbreak FMD in a realistic scenario.

Participants will learn the latest information about current FMD response plans while working in small collaborative teams to identify areas for improvement in local, state, and federal livestock disease response preparedness.

This program is relevant for Illinois pork, dairy, beef, sheep, goat and poultry producers; Illinois production animal and mixed animal practice veterinarians; livestock industry professional organizations and stakeholders; allied agricultural industries; and Illinois and neighboring state and federal animal health regulatory agency personnel. 

Space is limited. Sign up by September 1 at go.illinois.edu/fmd. The course is free due to the support of the USDA.

Veterinarians who attend the entire event can earn continuing education credits. No partial CE will be awarded.

The course is being led by Yvette J. Johnson-Walker and Gay Y. Miller with the College of Veterinary Medicine.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Engagement at ope@vetmed.illinois.edu or call 217-333-2907.

NEWS WRITEREmily Steele, Media Communications Coordinator, University of Illinois Extension

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE: Part of the flagship campus of the University of Illinois, the College of Veterinary Medicine is home to three academic departments, a full-service hospital, and a diagnostic laboratory in Urbana as well as services in Chicago.