By Andi Anderson
The Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) Program, a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, is set to receive over $460,000 in funding from MDARD. The grant will be utilized to accelerate the program's progress over the next three years, with a focus on providing essential knowledge and tools to local first responders for handling accidents involving livestock.
The funding will support the organization of twenty-five ERAIL training sessions, the acquisition of eight new ERAIL trailers, and the purchase of necessary equipment to outfit these trailers. The overarching goal is to enhance local communities' ability to respond effectively to incidents involving livestock, ensuring the safety of animals, response personnel, and the public.
Livestock transportation plays a significant role in Michigan, with over 200,000 trucks transporting animals from other states and Canada annually. Accidents involving these vehicles are a concern, and it is crucial for responders to be well-equipped and trained to assess situations, coordinate solutions, and handle affected animals appropriately.
The ERAIL Program, led by MSU Extension in collaboration with MDARD, along with support from various associations such as the Michigan Pork Producers Association, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Michigan Commercial Beekeepers Association, and Michigan Beekeepers Association, takes a comprehensive approach. It includes hands-on training, the establishment of specialized emergency response trailers, and individual consultations to educate and prepare first responders for emergencies involving livestock.
The program focuses on teaching responders critical aspects of farm animal behavior, characteristics of livestock trucks, and the acquisition of specialized response trailers stocked with essential equipment. This includes portable gates, handling equipment for various types of animals, safety gear, and other tools necessary for managing livestock in accident scenarios.
The ERAIL Program has made significant strides, with over 700 first responders in Michigan already trained by MSU Extension professionals on how to respond to traffic crashes involving animals. The program has deployed three fully equipped response trailers in Branch, Jackson, and Otsego counties, with plans to expand to more counties in the future. The deployment of these trailers in 2023 was successful in managing incidents, highlighting the program's practical impact.
For more information on the ERAIL Program, individuals are encouraged to visit the ERAIL Program page on MSU Extension's website and view MDARD’s video for additional insights.
Photo Credit: msu-extension
Categories: Michigan, Livestock