Millions of animals are transported weekly across the United States for various reasons. This process comes with several risks associated with it, as accidents involving livestock transportation haulers frequently happen.
Beth Ferry, a swine educator with MSU Extension, helped create a training program to assist individuals on dealing with these situations. By creating and delivering resources for first responders and those associated with the transportation component of animal production, the MSU Extension Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) team works to assist responders in preparing for, addressing and responding to these types of situations.
These resources include electronic modules to train responders in the area of accidents involving livestock, guided hands-on training for those responsible for responding to livestock transportation accidents, a detailed understanding of what a fully equipped response trailer consists of, including a cost assessment.
By creating and providing these resources, the ERAIL Team developed a network of trained individuals throughout Michigan that can respond to these events. This network is comprised of first responders (paid and on-call), law enforcement officers, animal control, farmers, transportation companies, truck drivers, veterinarians, processing companies, allied agriculture industry members and other skilled people as they are identified.
As an understanding and interest in this area grows, the ERAIL team will enhancing the understanding of the need for fully equipped response trailers across the state, designed to aid first responders in managing accidents involving livestock. By combining these resources and building this network, Michigan first responders and their partner stakeholders will be poised to respond to accidents involving livestock effectively, thereby reducing risks to public safety, animal welfare and negative economic impact these events can have on food production.
Of participants surveyed, 91% say they increased their skill set and will implement new methods of accident response following the training. More than 95% plan to provide training for their local organizations.
"The training was excellent, and the staff at MSU were especially helpful to those of us who don't have any experience in this area," said Melissa Fitzgerald, the director of animal control in Otsego County in the northern Lower Peninsula. "We got to see how the trailers are set up and handle cows, sheep, horses and pigs. I live and work in a region with a lot of agriculture, so it was imperative that my staff and I gain this knowledge."
Categories: Michigan, Livestock, Hogs, Beef Cattle, Goats & Sheep