Why is a training exercise necessary in Kansas?
According to Dr. Jerry Jaax, “The goal is to replicate how such an event would actually be managed if it were to occur. We are testing the response plans are they adequate, can we identify shortcomings, gaps, or disconnects between the plans of participants at different levels of government? “This exercise tests the coordination and communication among the various agencies,” Jaax said. “Response plans and ultimately response capabilities will be improved as a result of the exercise.” This is the first in a series of National Agricultural Biosecurity Center-led exercises to test and strengthen state- and county-level readiness to respond to a significant agricultural disease event. Information from the exercises will constitute a federal clearinghouse of “lessons learned,” a resource to other states and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in developing similar agricultural emergency response plans. An ag emergency calls for new strategies and new teams “First responders to an
