October 1, 2007

Purdue's veterinary homeland security program becomes certified

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, examined and reviewed courses in the program, which is part of Purdue's School of Veterinary Medicine and managed by the Purdue Homeland Security Institute.

The agency granted the program certification because it complies with National Animal Health Emergency Management System guidelines, which are set up to deal with animal health incidents.

"Purdue has shown confidence in our program from the start, and now we're pleased to receive this external validation," said Sandra Amass, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences and interim co-director of the Purdue Homeland Security Institute. "I've been particularly inspired by the active participation and support from Purdue faculty and the many individuals outside of Purdue willing to share their expertise."

Since coursework began in May of 2006, there have been 62 students enrolled from 27 states, the District of Columbia and Singapore. The majority are private practice veterinarians, but there also are professionals enrolled from the military, U.S. Department of Agriculture, public health departments, animal health departments and veterinary schools. Some students are veterinary technicians, and others are applying the coursework to degrees in public health. Veterinary students also are participating.

To qualify for the certificate, students have four years to complete nine courses, which are available 24 hours a day online or by CD.

Lectures include a range of topics that address issues such as swine disease, rabies, anthrax and plague. Among the veterinary experts providing lecture material are Purdue adjunct professors Marianne Ash, director of biosecurity and preparedness planning at the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, and Col. Marc Mattix, assistant chief at the Montana Department of Livestock Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps.

"Our lectures hit on all animal-related events, whether they are natural disasters or intentional crimes," Amass said. "We focus on biosecurity and disaster preparedness using scientific methods to meet the growing demand for homeland security."

A previous lecturer was W. Ron DeHaven, executive vice president for the American Veterinary Medical Association and former administrator of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

"This program provides a myriad of educational opportunities to animal health professionals," DeHaven said. "Certification validates what we already knew, that this is an outstanding program that is a mutually beneficial partnership between public agencies and the private sector. It strengthens our ability and capability to prepare for and respond to any and all disasters affecting animals."

The program is a cooperative effort among the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue Homeland Security Institute, Indiana Board of Animal Health, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Sources: Sandra Amass, (765) 494-8052, amasss@purdue.edu

Ron DeHaven, (847) 925-8070, rdehaven@avma.org

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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