This project directly addresses the priority topic of supporting animal movement decisions in a disease outbreak by leveraging a previous national animal disease preparedness and response (NADPRP)…

This project directly addresses the priority topic of supporting animal movement decisions in a disease outbreak by leveraging a previous national animal disease preparedness and response (NADPRP) project managed by the american sheep industry association (ASI) to develop guidance documents for livestock owners and land management agencies during a FMD outbreak. In the event of a foreign animal disease (FAD) such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, sheep and cattle owners who graze on non-private land face unique challenges to mitigate disease exposure risks and ensure business continuity. One of these challenges involves the ability to move livestock as needed in order to comply with FAD control zone requirements. New mexico, in cooperation with arizona and colorado, will conduct a webinar and workshop to adapt the guidance documents developed by the ASI project. Following the workshop, a tabletop exercise will then be used to validate the guidance documents at the state level and identify opportunities for improvement. Sheep and cattle producers, federal land management agencies, wildlife agencies, state animal health officials, USDA, and livestock associations will benefit from these proactive activities to address the topics identified by ASI and its partners. The project will increase the TRI-state FMD preparedness posture by validating important guidance and maintaining important relationships between industry and regulatory entities. IT also prepares decision makers with a better understanding of the management practices, capabilities, and limitations of this industry segment. To maintain continuity with the previous project and increase the projects effectiveness we will collaborate with several of the contributors on the ASI project to provide overall project guidance as well as facilitate a webinar, workshop, and tabletop exercise. New mexico has a successful record of proactive planning and training. The center, a cooperative between new mexico state university and the new mexico department of agriculture, is uniquely positioned to lead this unique project. The center has strong relationships and a record of collaboration with state and federal agencies and the livestock industry.