K State Boosts Animal Disease Training

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University’s National Agricultural Biosecurity Center strengthens its leadership in animal disease preparedness through a new grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funding supports expanded training for extension professionals across the central United States.

The center receives $211,248 from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to lead a project focused on outbreak planning and response. The effort is part of the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, a Farm Bill initiative investing millions to improve animal health systems, biosecurity, emergency planning, training, and disease traceability nationwide.

From October 2025 through September 2027, the project delivers guided tabletop exercises for extension professionals in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. These exercises simulate potential foreign or emerging animal disease events. Participants work through evolving scenarios that require coordination, risk communication, and fast decision making to protect livestock and the agricultural economy.

The project also develops functional workbooks designed for use at the local level. These materials include adaptable templates, checklists, and planning tools. Extension professionals can customize them based on state rules, local industries, and species risks. This approach helps communities prepare practical response plans before a real emergency occurs.

By combining discussion-based training with hands on resources, the center aims to improve readiness across extension systems. The training emphasizes clear communication, defined roles, and informed decisions during emergencies. These skills help ensure quicker and more effective action during real disease outbreaks.

Marty Vanier, director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center, highlights the value of collaboration across states. "Working together in shared exercises allows participants to identify gaps, compare approaches and build trust before an emergency, creating a more cohesive regional network when rapid, coordinated action is essential."

The project builds on the center’s strong record of national impact. Previous awards under the same federal program support research, emergency planning, and outreach, bringing total funding to more than $900,000.

Hans Coetzee, vice president for research, emphasizes the broader importance of the work. "The Region 7 tabletop project reflects K-State strengths as a next-generation land-grant institution leading collaborative solutions in biosecurity and animal health," he says, noting the value of partnerships that protect animal health and strengthen industry resilience.

Photo Credit: kansas-state-university