By Elizabeth Ferry
Farmers, livestock caretakers, veterinarians, truck drivers, processing plant employees and many others have a role in raising livestock and producing safe, affordable food for consumers. The livestock industry works hard to raise livestock using good production practices and sound farming standards. However, sometimes unexpected events happen, such as a trucking accident involving animals. When this kind of a situation occurs, the livestock industry depends on first responders to assist.
Michigan State University Extension’s Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) team has partnered with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Michigan Pork Producers Association to provide specialized training for those who respond to these accident events. A training event will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the MSU Pavilion located at 4301 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI 48910. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with the training session beginning at 9 a.m. The cost of this training is $75 per person or $60 per person for groups of two or more; no refunds will be given after October 1, 2024, however substitutions may be made after that date. Registration is limited.
Participants in this training will receive hands-on detailed training on handling and moving livestock including horses, cattle, sheep, swine and honey bees. They will also gain a better understanding of how to assess and handle compromised or injured animals and practice loading and unloading livestock from trailers. As part of this training, attendees will be able to see an ERAIL trailer and the equipment it contains and learn details about its specifications, costs (trailer and equipment) and recommendations regarding trailer equipment and deployment. This trailer demonstration is part of an effort to strategically place these trailers across the state so that responders have access to the specialized equipment needed to properly respond to accidents involving livestock.
The MSU Extension Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock team is focused on providing training for first responders, law enforcement officials and others involved in accident response through multiple different medias and opportunities. This programming effort impacts Michigan’s animal agriculture industry by preparing those involved in accident response for situations that could occur while transporting livestock. These efforts not only support the safety of first responders, but they also protect the welfare of the animals involved in these situations and help provide for the safety of the public traveling the roadways.
Registration information can be found by visiting the MSU Extension Events Calendar. Questions about the training can be directed to:
- Beth Ferry at 269-876-2745 or franzeli@msu.edu
- Tom Guthrie at 517-788-4292 or guthri19@msu.edu
- Paola Bacigalupo-Sanguesa at 970-888-1356 or paolabs@msu.edu
Source : msu.edu