Secure Food Supply New England Project Director Julie Smith hosted a three-session webinar during October, to train New England veterinarians on how to talk with producers about foreign animal diseases.
Veterinarians are a primary source of information about disease prevention and control for livestock and poultry producers. Being able to rapidly detect and respond, particularly to foreign and emerging animal disease threats, depends on their awareness and comfort in reporting unusual signs. The webinar covered simple strategies that can enhance producer awareness and willingness to respond.
Four diseases of concern were highlighted during the webinar including:
- Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD)
- African swine fever (ASF)
- Foot and mouth disease (FMD)
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)