The role of national animal health emergency planning

Bioterrorism is one of many contingencies that we must be better prepared to prevent from adversely impacting our food security system. Education and awareness, prevention-based training, increased monitoring and surveillance, and greater focus on coordination between government agencies at both the federal and state levels will be necessary to develop a more prevention-based national food security system. The formation of the Steering Committee on National Animal Health Emergency Management is the beginning of a profound new process. The animal industry is driving the formation of a new national animal health emergency management system. It is designed to coordinate the emergency prevention and response activities of all partners, including government (state and federal), livestock producers, and veterinary practitioners. The goal is to develop a national coordinated strategy that places primary emphasis on preventing a broader spectrum of hazards from occurring throughout the food production chain. Coordination and integration of efforts are necessary with many different stakeholders, including government agencies other than U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through a proposed National Animal Health Emergency Management Council, all stakeholders can assist in the development of a national strategic plan that can better protect our food security system.