Education and Outreach Systems

Graduate-level curricula, early responder training programs and stakeholder outreach programs designed to provide the next generation of science power.

Education and Outreach Systems

Graduate programs, early responder training and stakeholder workshops to provide the next level of science power for homeland security

The Animal Health Network: a system to alert non-commercial livestock owners of disease outbreaks

The Animal Health Network (formerly known as the County Animal Security & Health Network, or CASHN) is designed to improve communication between the county agent and the ‘backyard’ owner through a common element: the local feed store.

Avian influenza training for early responders

In the event of an outbreak of Avian Influenza H5N1, a lack of training among early responders will lead to delayed detection and ineffective reactions. The FAZD Center’s Avian Influenza School trains the trainers and provides training modules for use by extension agents, veterinarians, researchers and farmers – for prevention, intervention and recovery from outbreaks. Sessions have been held in Texas, California and Minnesota, and in Africa, and are in demand in the developing world.

Stakeholder workshops on mass animal mortality

If a pandemic or a catastrophe resulted in the death of U.S. livestock in large numbers, current environmental policy and regulations would severely hamper carcass disposal. FAZD Center workshops in California and Texas brought together major stakeholders from the livestock industry: industry representatives, policymakers, scientists and regulators. The workshops brought together players with diverse and divergent involvement, often for the first time. They examined policy and suggested changes to improve response and recovery, and established working relationships.

Risk communications training on FAZD issues

The FAZD Center sponsored a two-day “train the trainer” workshop focused on how to handle risk communications during an outbreak of an animal disease that threatens the public health or the economy.

Awards and recognition for FAZD Center DHS scholars and fellows

A total of 147 students and post-doctoral fellows have participated in FAZD Center research and education programs. These include 21 post doctoral fellows, 61 doctoral students, 39 master’s students, 8 veterinary medicine students and 18 undergraduates.

Master’s Degree Professional Programs at Texas A&M University and the University of California at Davis

The FAZD Center has developed new curricula for professional veterinary students that injects homeland security-relevant tenets into programs relating to epidemiology, public health, and risk analysis, thereby providing a pathway for students to enter homeland security-critical careers.