The university of missouri will enhance biosecurity measures and emergency preparedness in missouri's livestock and poultry industries by developing practical depopulation plans to effectively…

The University of Missouri System received a $229,319 Cooperative Agreement award from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), effective September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2027. The award funds the development and implementation of comprehensive emergency depopulation and biosecurity plans designed to enhance Missouri's livestock and poultry industries' preparedness for foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks. Key deliverables include statewide workshops conducted across Missouri locations to engage farmers in developing and implementing depopulation and disposal plans, as well as collaborative planning activities between agency personnel and producers to document practical, industry-specific response strategies.

The award also funds the acquisition and deployment of a mobile shower unit equipped with shower-in and shower-out systems to prevent farm-to-farm disease transmission during FAD events. This mobile trailer will serve dual purposes as both operational equipment for disease response activities and as a research and educational tool during non-emergency periods. These combined products and services are designed to increase producer awareness of FAD response protocols, provide critical disease prevention infrastructure, protect Missouri's agricultural economy, and ensure the safety of the nation's food supply.

The university of missouri will enhance biosecurity measures and emergency preparedness in missouri's livestock and poultry industries by developing practical depopulation plans to effectively manage a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak. Collaborations between agency personnel and producers will focus on improving, implementing, and documenting comprehensive emergency depopulation plans. Statewide workshops will be conducted in missouri locations to engage farmers and motivate them to develop and implement their own depopulation and disposal plans and adopt proactive biosecurity measures. The project also includes acquiring a mobile shower unit that can be used to prevent farm-to-farm spread of fads. The mobile trailer will be equipped with shower-in and shower-out systems for effective cleaning and disinfection during FAD events; IT will also be used as a research and educational tool during down time. The project benefits producers by increasing their awareness of FAD response activities and providing critical equipment to prevent disease spread in an outbreak. The project will ensure a safe food supply and protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of MI ssouri farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.