What would a New Mexico State University director, a pathology professor from the University of Missouri, a chief from the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine and a bunch of locals be doing in the same classroom in a western Ohio community? Why would over 30 people spend time learning about something not likely to happen in any one area, but predicted to occur somewhere in this country?

“Preparing communities for animal, plant and food incidents: An introduction” was a one day class offered last week by the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training, Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education, located at Louisiana State University. The instructors were Billy Dictson, the director of biosecurity at the Southwest Border Food Safety and Defense Center in New Mexico, and Stan Casteel, a veterinarian and professor of pathology at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.

The seven-hour training demonstrated the complexities of agricultural systems by examining the threats and vulnerabilities of animal, plant and food systems. Community wide preparedness was encouraged in order to better handle damaging incidents, whether they be accidental, intentional or naturally occurring. As participants, we were encouraged to think of the types of agriculture and food facilities and operations that are within our communities, while considering accidental, intentional and naturally occurring disruptions that could put animal, plant and food operations at risk. Since these types of facilities are part of a national and global network, a damaging incident could have a significant effect on the community in which it took place, and potentially in other locations, including those far from where the incident occurred.  

Naturally-occurring challenges might include high winds (tornadoes in our neck of the woods), floods or fire; accidental problems could be posed by power outages, train derailments, traffic mishaps, etc., intentional incidents may be caused by disgruntled employees, animal rights fanatic or cultural zealots.

Examples were provided by the instructors in videos, written material and personal experiences. Included were disasters resulting in severe property damage, deaths and/or multiple injuries that exceeded the response capability of the local jurisdiction, that required state and federal involvement. Participants shared local experiences and observations throughout the day. Potential risks and threats were discussed, along with the possible vulnerability of our communities.

The 33-member class included a dozen military personnel from Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Emergency Management Agency staff, health department officials, fire and rescue folks and a private consultant.

This question (challenge) was posed to the group: Is your community ready? Experience has shown that communities that plan together and train together, are more likely to effectively respond together. The instructors indicated that another opportunity existed for such a training in Ohio. Capitalizing on that possibility, Debbie Brown, Ohio State University Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources educator, plans to work with local and state agency personnel to plan such a similar program within the next six months. Leaders interested in involving themselves and community emergency personnel are encouraged to contact Brown at brown.1522@osu.edu or call 937-498-7239.

Our abundant food supply, of which farming is the core, could be threatened by a host of unforeseen challenges. More of what was shared that will be utilized in future Ohio Farm News columns.

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.