The risks of new diseases continue to threaten livestock and wildlife across the West. To help Nevada’s Tribal communities prevent and respond faster to outbreaks, University of Nevada, Reno Extension is hosting a free Tribal Nations Emergency Preparedness and Response Training, Jan. 6–8, at the University’s Main Station Farm and Science Center.

The training, delivered by the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, will bring together federal and state biosecurity experts to help Nevada’s Tribal leaders, environmental representatives and ranchers  prevent the spread of diseases that could threaten food production and wildlife on Tribal lands.

“We are excited to work with our state and federal partners to provide technical assistance, outreach and training that help our Tribal communities respond to unique disease outbreaks that threaten their lands and livelihoods,” said Laurie Thom, biosecurity coordinator for Extension’s Nevada Tribal Programs. “The USDA team has successfully offered similar workshops across the country, and we are confident the training in Nevada will be just as impactful.”

Topics and activities

The workshop will train participants to access state and federal resources and provide practical guidance, technical support and strategies for prevention, early detection and rapid response to disease outbreaks.

Agenda topics include updates on the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu; African swine fever; chronic wasting disease, which affects deer, elk and moose; the potential resurgence of the New World Screwworm; and other emerging animal diseases.

Presenters will include experts from Tribal Emergency Management in the Nevada Office of Emergency Management and from multiple units within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, such as Veterinary Services, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Animal Care, Wildlife Services, and several national disease and pest management programs.

In addition to agency presentations, participants and Tribal programs will have the opportunity to share their own projects, priorities and needs.

Registration details

Tribal leaders and producers planning to attend are encouraged to register online. Attendees will receive meals, lodging and transportation at no cost.

For more information, email Thom or call her at 775-781-0101. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should email Paul Lessick, Extension civil rights and compliance coordinator, or call him at 702-257-5577 at least five days prior to the scheduled event with their needs or for more information.