HARRISBURG, Pa. — Animal disease response training sessions happening around Pennsylvania will enable farmers, veterinarians and first responders to become frontline defenders against animal illness or agriterrorism.
Nine free training sessions will be held throughout the state in March and April.
“The first line of defense to protect our animal agriculture sector and consumers are farmers, veterinarians and emergency responders,” explained state Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding. “Training is critical in helping them prepare for, respond to and recover from threats to animal and human health.”
The department is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Kirkwood Community College in Iowa to offer the training sessions.
Focus
Courses will focus on biosecurity, quarantine procedures, personal protective equipment and disease disposal, cleaning and disinfection.
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.
Mark your calendar
Training course dates and locations are as follows:
— March 5: Clearfield, Clearfield County;
— March 6: Altoona, Blair County;
— March 8: Indiana, Indiana County;
— March 9: Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;
— March 19: Frackville, Schuylkill County;
— March 23: Conshohocken, Montgomery County;
— March 24: Schnecksville, Lehigh County;
— April 7: York, York County;
— April 9: Erie, Erie County.
Find registration and additional information about the training courses and locations at www.agpreparedness.org.
