Recruiting summer interns: Help develop enhanced biosecurity plans for beef producers in WA
By Dr. Minden L. Buswell, Reserve Veterinary Corps Coordinator
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)
If foot and mouth disease (FMD) is found in United States livestock, regulatory officials will limit the movement of animals and animal products to try and control the spread of this very contagious animal disease. The Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan for Continuity of Business provides opportunities to voluntarily prepare before an outbreak. This will better position beef premises with cattle that have no evidence of infection to:
- Limit exposure of their animals through enhanced biosecurity
- Move animals to processing or other premises under a movement permit issued by regulatory officials
- Maintain business continuity for the beef industry, including producers, haulers, and packers
During an FMD outbreak, it is the producer’s responsibility to keep their animals from becoming infected through biosecurity. Biosecurity approaches are both structural and operational. Successful implementation of these practices depends on the awareness level and behavior of individuals on the feedlot during an FMD outbreak. The enhanced biosecurity recommendations outlined in the SBS are based on the known exposure routes for FMD.
- Self-Assessment Checklist for Enhanced Biosecurity for FMD Prevention: Beef Feedlots
- Example Enhanced Biosecurity Plan
Student interns will work with WSDA veterinarians, WA Beef Commission (WBC), WA Cattle Feeders Association (WCFA), and Washington Cattle Association (WCA) to identify 30-40 beef premises willing to complete the SBS – Enhanced Biosecurity Plans (EBP). Interns will then meet with WA beef producers on the premises and work with them to draft an initial plan.
The completed enhanced biosecurity plans will be supplied in-person to the beef producer in hard copy and to WSDA in electronic form for approval. The hard copy plans will consist of a binder that includes the enhanced biosecurity plan and relevant Secure Beef Supply educational material to implement the plan.
If interested in this PAID internship, contact Dr. Minden Buswell at mbuswell@agr.wa.gov or call 360-280-6499.
APPLICATION DEADLINE APRIL 30, 2023