The Office of State Veterinarian Animal Health, Producer Services and Enforcement personnel, along with private veterinarians, public health officials, federal veterinary medical officers, commercial poultry producers and U of K extension staff participated in an Agriculture Preparedness Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training.  The training was sanctioned by the US Department of Homeland Security to increase awareness and safety precautions necessary for a foreign animal zoonotic disease response.

Training and preparing protects the public and responders from economic and agricultural destruction.  It is vital to collaborate state, federal and local governments along with public and private businesses in order to make an effective response.

This training offered an in depth hands-on instruction paired with an avian influenza scenario-based event.  In preparing for the potential outbreak, focus was concentrated on prevention, containment, euthanasia, disposal and recovery.  Everyone present was given a supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for the scenario being presented.  Once a formal demonstration was done; the attendees practiced proper donning and doffing of the PPE.  This type of hands-on activities creates a more meaningful learning environment for all involved.