Conferences
“Prepare2Respond” Online Self-Guided Education Mitigating Animal and Human Disease Risk
Paul Kuber, Lindsay Chichester, Bernadette O'Rourke, Craig Rebich, and Audrey Cant
Summary
Animal disease outbreaks pose a serious threat to the U.S. food supply chain, foreign exports, and consumer confidence. Events where animals and people interact—such as fairs, livestock shows, and rodeos—carry elevated risk due to transient populations from within and across state borders. A zoonotic, endemic, and/or foreign animal disease could disrupt agriculture and local commerce if the disease spreads. Effective emergency response depends not only on strong biosecurity measures but also on clear, timely communication among event staff, volunteers, and first responders. Communication failures during an outbreak can delay containment, increase confusion, and amplify economic and public health impacts. Recognizing this need, Extension professionals developed Prepare 2 Respond (P2R), a dynamic online learning management system designed to build awareness of biosecurity, disease mitigation, and communication strategies critical during an emergency. P2R provides guided, peer-reviewed, and accessible content tailored for livestock exposition employees, volunteers, and emergency personnel in the form of three learner-engaged online modules. This session will introduce P2R and share details of its upcoming expansion—a specific “Communications” module and tabletop exercises scheduled for release in early 2026. These enhancements will strengthen planning and communication protocols, enabling fairs and expositions to respond rapidly and effectively to contain disease and minimize disruption. Protecting animal and human health is essential to preserving these all-American traditions embraced by both rural and urban communities. Prior planning and coordinated communication ensure that fairs and communities remain safe, vibrant, and resilient in the face of emerging animal health threats.
Details
| Conference | 2026 Extension Risk Management Education National Conference |
| Presentation Type | 30-Minute Concurrent |