A new program in Iowa will train veterinarians to detect and respond to foreign animal diseases. The IowaFADefense continuing education program is an initiative by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

According to an announcement posted by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, vets completing the program will learn how to:

diagnose foreign animal diseases;
assist the state and federal government with foreign animal disease investigations;
educate and oversee farm staff on the proper way to collect surveillance samples during an outbreak;
work with clients to improve on-farm biosecurity;
enhance on-farm record keeping strategies to quickly facilitate investigations;
conduct a small-scale epidemiologic investigation on a farm.

Diseases covered in the program include: African swine fever, classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and virulent Newcastle disease.

The program is online and taught through webinars, interactive activities and video demonstrations. Vets who complete the program will earn 19 hours of continuing education credits.

Program will train Iowa vets to detect foreign animal diseases