INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In a move that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems a model for the rest of the country, Indiana has become the first state to begin forming an unfunded Rapid Response Team to conduct integrated, multi-agency responses to all-hazards food and feed emergencies.

The decision to pursue an RRT was reached at a recent Indiana Board of Animal Health (BOAH) meeting, in which it was noted FDA has funded 18 RRTs nationwide but now lacks funding to help additional states get on board.

"The RRT would address diseases, toxins and anything contained in feed that could affect an animal," said Dr. Maria Cooper, who works in biosecurity planning for BOAH. "If an animal contains a toxin or disease, it will affect a human who eats the meat."

Indiana’s team, like the 18 already in existence, will be developed through multiyear cooperative agreements between the FDA and state food regulatory programs.

In addition to BOAH, Hoosier State’s team will include representatives from the Indiana State Department of Health, Office of the Indiana State Chemist, the Indiana State Egg Board, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

FDA’s Detroit district is providing guidance, with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development serving as a mentor state.