K-state shields livestock research from disease threats

By Scout Nelson

Kansas State University’s National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) organized a significant exercise to address foreign animal diseases (FAD). This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the university’s ability to manage and continue its livestock-related activities in the event of such a disease outbreak.

Since 2019, NABC has received over $421,000 in grants from the USDA APHIS under the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program. These funds have supported various initiatives, including tabletop exercises with local officials and developing biosecurity plans for livestock events.

This year’s exercise brought together experts from various K-State departments, such as the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as external partners like the Kansas Department of Agriculture. They discussed and refined the university’s current plans for responding to an FAD outbreak.

Elliot Young, K-State’s assistant vice president and university risk and compliance officer, praised the collaboration and expertise demonstrated during the exercise. Nathan Brown from the Kansas Department of Agriculture highlighted the importance of these discussions for protecting the university and the wider agricultural sector.

The primary goal of these preparedness efforts is to ensure that Kansas State University can maintain its teaching and research missions, even during an FAD outbreak. Such diseases could severely disrupt university operations and negatively affect local community support and research.

The exercise and ongoing preparedness efforts are supported by APHIS through Cooperative Agreements and Grants, emphasizing the importance of readiness for animal health threats. These initiatives serve as models for other institutions, advancing nationwide efforts to manage animal disease risks.

Kansas State University continues to lead in agricultural biosecurity by proactively preparing for foreign animal diseases. These efforts ensure the university remains at the forefront of agricultural research and education, safeguarding against potential disruptions caused by animal health emergencies.

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