Pennsylvania Ag Secretary Says Animal Disease Response Training Available for Farmers, Vets, First Responders

Statewide Training Sessions Sanctioned by U.S. Department of Homeland Security

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Animal disease response training sessions happening around Pennsylvania will enable farmers, veterinarians and first responders to become frontline defenders against animal illness or agriterrorism, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today.

Nine training sessions will be held throughout the state from March 5 through April 9.

"Animal agriculture is the foundation of our state's leading industry as it generates nearly $3.9 billion in economic activity here," Redding said. "The first line of defense to protect our animal agriculture sector and consumers are farmers, veterinarians and emergency responders. Training is critical in helping them prepare for, respond to and recover from threats to animal and human health.

"We are pleased to partner with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Kirkwood Community College to promote these training sessions."

Trainers from Kirkwood Community College in Iowa will deliver the free trainings. Courses will focus on biosecurity, quarantine procedures, personal protective equipment and disease disposal, cleaning and disinfection. Kirkwood Community College was one of only 14 applicants selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to deliver the training.

The training courses are recommended for agricultural producers, veterinarians, animal health care providers, law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel and others. Continuing education units are also available for veterinarians who take the course. Training course dates and locations are as follows:

• Friday, March 5 – Clearfield, Clearfield County
• Saturday, March 6 – Altoona, Blair County
• Monday, March 8 – Indiana, Indiana County
• Tuesday, March 9 – Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
• Friday, March 19 – Frackville, Schuylkill County
• Tuesday, March 23 – Conshohocken, Montgomery County
• Wednesday, March 24 – Schnecksville, Lehigh County
• Wednesday, April 7 – York, York County
• Friday, April 9 – Erie, Erie County

"I encourage Pennsylvania farmers, veterinarians and emergency responders and others to participate in what is sure to be a valuable training experience to help protect the state's animal agriculture industry and millions of consumers," Redding added.  

For more information about Pennsylvania's agriculture industry, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.

Find registration and additional information about the training courses and locations at www.agpreparedness.org.  

Media contact: Justin Fleming, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture