Biological Risk Management Education Seminars

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The County of San Diego’s Office of the County Veterinarian protects the health of animals, people, agriculture, and the environment through disease surveillance and education. To protect people and animals from infectious diseases and to prepare for a local disaster or bioterrorism event, a three part program on risk management was offered to local veterinarians and animal health care workers. This program was created because veterinarians and animal health care workers are often overlooked or left out of efforts that prepare local governments and other agencies for disasters, bioterrorism incidents, and disease outbreaks. Yet, a large portion of new and emerging diseases affect animals and people alike and can foster unhealthy environments that increase the risk of disease transmission. The County Veterinarian sought to remedy this deficiency by offering a series of continuing education seminars to the local animal health community. The seminars covered three primary topics: biological risk management, disaster preparedness, and laboratory methods for diagnosis. Separate seminar series were held for large animal and small animal focus groups. Each seminar was tailored to specifically address the concerns and circumstances of the two groups.