Keeping biosecurity threats in mind

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July 2, 2009

By ANDY GOODELL

OSKALOOSA — The Swine Flu, or H1N1 virus, might be on the back burner for most people.

But, those in emergency management know Mahaska County must remain prepared.

Jamey Robinson, Mahaska County Emergency Management coordinator, said H1N1 has fallen out of the spot light for the time being, but that’s no reason to forget about it all together.

“In the flu season this fall and winter it’s supposed to kick back up again,” said Robinson. “Everybody’s worried about it at the time. When it comes back again, it’ll start all over.”

Since the H1N1 scare in late April that caused the Mahaska County Courthouse to shut down one of its floors for a day, Robinson and others have developed a plan for such an outbreak. Robinson said he is confident in the county’s ability to react to such a threat, should it arise.

“I feel we’re all on the same page,” he said.

This coming Monday afternoon from 12:30 to 4:30, Robinson’s office will host a workshop on biosecurity for livestock farmers. Swine flu will be discussed, but it won’t be the only threat brought to the table, Robinson noted.

Robinson stressed that things like foot and mouth disease occurring on agricultural lands spread rapidly and can be quite devastating. This is especially important to remember when considering that could harm Iowa’s $17 billion in economic activity, he said.

In the spirit of staying prepared, plans for the biosecurity workshop began more than a year ago, prior to any instance of Swine Flu.

“We’ll be talking about anything that could affect them,” said Robinson of the workshop intended for both large and small agriculture producers. “We want to get people on track for getting a plan together.”

A plan in the event of a biosecurity threat would include cooperation between producers, regional veterinarians, emergency responders and law enforcement, said Robinson. Developing these plans will be part of the hands-on training at Monday’s workshop.

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Herald City Editor Andy Goodell can be reached at news2@oskyherald.com