It is widely thought that American agriculture is on terrorists’ hit list. An attack against US food supplies could have a devastating effect on regional and national economies.

Veterinarians, who monitor the food supply from feedlot to grocery, may be the first to see evidence of such a strike.

To train the next generation of veterinarians on what to look for and how to react, the MU College of Veterinary Medicine has been expanding its public health course to include information about bio-terrorism and preparedness in the event of a national disaster.

Recently, the education effort was expanded further through a $200,000 grant from the US Department of Human and Health Services–Health Resources and Services to the MU College of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute for Biosecurity at the Saint Louis University of Public Health. The grant will help better prepare veterinarians through additional workshops, laboratories, and self-directed computer-based training.

One goal is to help practicing veterinarians better identify terrorist-introduced diseases from naturally-occurring ones, isolate any problem, collect evidence, notify appropriate governmental agencies, and protect themselves and others from contamination. One aspect of the grant will emphasize how veterinarians can administer first aid to themselves or others if they come into contact with a lethal organism. Another goal is to educate future veterinary practitioners on how they may best serve in the event of a national disaster whether it is a biological threat or natural disaster.

A terrorist attack on Missouri livestock could have dramatic consequences. Missouri is mostly a rural state with a substantial population of its population relying on agriculture. The state’s livestock and related products are a $2.5 billion industry in the state. There are more than four million head of cattle in the state.

Livestock production accounts for almost 60 percent of all of Missouri’s agricultural receipts, according to the Missouri Farm Bureau. The state is ranked second nationally in cow-calf production. Agriculture is Missouri’s second largest industry.

There are about 1,800 practicing veterinarians in Missouri. About half are engaged in exclusive large animal or mixed animal practice.

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