Category Archives: News Worthy Mentionables
Important Lessons from 2011 Dairy Industry Crisis Drills
In May I attended the first of three 2011 Dairy Industry Crisis Drills in which the featured scenario involves foot-and-mouth disease. These drills were coordinated by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the dairy check off program. You may be … Continue reading
Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Planning (S-CAP) Workshop
On May 13 & 14, 2011, UVM Extension held a Strengthening Community Agrosecurity Planning (S-CAP) workshop in Rutland, VT to address agricultural gaps in Vermont’s local and state emergency operations plans. The S-CAP program is sponsored by the Extension Disaster … Continue reading
Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health (SACAH)
Public participation is the rule for all SACAH meetings. Sign up by email to SACAH.Management@aphis.usda.gov. Comments, suggestions and/or questions for the Committee’s consideration may likewise be submitted. Committee documentation will be posted on this web site and on FIDO.gov.
Global Events Prompt Local Vigilance
Sometimes I am asked why we should worry about foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the US when we have been free of the disease since 1929. News reports, feature articles, and press releases circulating in recent months provide ample justification. To … Continue reading
UK Livestock Disease Nightmare Began 10 Years Ago
This month marks the 10th anniversary since the diagnosis of FMD in the United Kingdom in February 2001. Several 10th anniversary articles have been published recently. Here is one that poignantly describes the pain and the resilience of those affected. … Continue reading
FMD closes South Korea markets
South Korea was unable to shake off foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in 2010. As the third outbreak of the year continues into 2011, the cull in South Korea has now surpassed the total of the 2002 outbreak (160,000) by 4-fold, reaching … Continue reading
Assessment of a Risky Proposition
The livestock newswires are heating up about the recent release of a site-specific risk assessment and review of that assessment for the National Biosecurity and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) to be built in Manhattan, KS. This facility is intended to house … Continue reading
Unity of Effort Plus Local Knowledge
Two recent commentaries on the BP oil spill have indicated a major shift is needed in how the US responds to major disasters. On September 9, I caught the end of an NPR interview with Thad Allen, retired U.S. Coast … Continue reading
It’s National Farm Safety and Health Week
“Every day, the lives of Americans are touched by the hard work and dedication of our Nation’s farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers. The food they produce through their tireless efforts fuels our Nation, nourishes our bodies, and sustains millions at home … Continue reading
September is Disaster Preparedness Month
Are you Ready? Do you have a family emergency plan? Would you be OK for 72 hours? Face it: No one wants to deal with an emergency or disaster. But when seconds count and lives are on the line, knowing … Continue reading
