Livestock Producers Invited to University of Illinois FMD Exercise

August 12, 2020 — 

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will host a USDA-backed online exercise to bring together a broad spectrum of livestock industry stakeholders to work in collaboration to improve the state's capability to respond to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. [Source: National Hog Farmer 6 August 2020]

From Sept. 8 to 11, participants will meet virtually two to three hours daily to share information and brainstorm about response strategies for an FMD outbreak 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 and participants are encouraged to sign up by Sept. 1. 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.