DEVELOPING KANSAS’ PLANS FOR TRANSBOUNDARY ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK RESPONSE

Abstract

Key functions of public health agencies are the development of programs and procedures at both the national and state level, guided by science, to prevent and control Transboundary animal diseases (TADs). Recent efforts in the United States have focused on developing emergency vaccination plans for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreaks and programs for training of swine workers to collect surveillance samples in the event of commercial swine TAD outbreaks. I worked with the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) Division of Animal Health (DAH) to develop plans and procedures for two different, yet related projects. I developed a detailed standard operating procedure for the implementation of the Certified Swine Collector Program. This program trains swine workers to support surveillance efforts in the event of a TAD outbreak in commercial facilities, relieving veterinarians to focus on the outbreak investigation. I also restructured KDA’s Foot and Mouth Disease emergency vaccination plan and performed a gap analysis to assist them in preparation for an upcoming national tabletop vaccination exercise. My primary objective was to provide the framework for the successful implementation of programs protecting animal health, food security, and public health.