Foreign Animal Disease of Livestock

Foreign Animal Disease of Livestock

INCIDENT ANNEX

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PRIMARY AGENCY:

State: Department of Agriculture

SUPPORT AGENCIES:

State: Attorney General

Department of Environmental Quality

Department of Health Services

Department of Public Safety

Division of Emergency Management

Game and Fish Department

National Guard

University of Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Federal: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services

USDA, Regional Emergency Animal Disease Eradication Organization (USDA-READEO) for the Western Region

USDA, APHIS, VS Emergency Programs

USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory

USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

SUPPORTING PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS:

Private: Arizona Veterinary Medical Association

Arizona Cattlemen=s Association

Arizona Pork Council

Arizona Poultry Industry Representative

Arizona State Horsemen=s Association

Arizona Wool Producers

United Dairymen of Arizona

USDA Accredited Veterinary Practitioners

Livestock Markets

Renderers

Livestock Slaughter Establishments

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose

To coordinate the initial, as well as ongoing, response of state and federal agencies, and private organizations and entities in response to and recovery from an outbreak of a foreign animal disease. In as much as some foreign animal diseases are zoonotic, this coordination may also involve the identification and control of diseases of public health significance. Issues of major concern in preparedness and response to a foreign animal disease outbreak include prevention of introduction, disease surveillance, rapid identification, initiation of steps to reduce the further spread of the disease, and disposal of infected, exposed, and dead animals during an outbreak.

B. Scope

This plan provides technical advice and assistance to state, county and local governments, professional animal health organizations, and industry during a foreign animal disease outbreak and includes procedures for the identification, containment, and elimination of a foreign animal disease. This appendix is applicable to all federal and state agencies identified in the Primary and Supporting Government Agency outline, as well as USDA accredited veterinary practitioners. It is anticipated that the remainder of the Supporting Private Organizations identified in this plan will participate to the fullest extent possible.

II. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS

A. Situation

1. Several serious animal disease outbreaks have occurred outside the United States recently. Foot and Mouth Disease in Taiwan=s swine population in 1997 resulted in the slaughter of more than five million hogs. The recent Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) epidemic in the Netherlands resulted in the slaughter of more than 10 million hogs. Ongoing problems with Classical swine fever in Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to be a threat to the U.S. swine industry. The occurrence of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Great Britain has resulted in a large number of beef and dairy cattle destroyed and diseased cattle continue to be identified. The importation of animal products from foreign countries, the ease of travel throughout the world, the lifting of restrictions on animal health movement as a result of Free Trade Agreements, the presence of international ports and an international border, and the minor outbreak of a foreign plant disease within the state of Arizona within the past 18 months underscore Arizona=s vulnerability to an outbreak of a foreign animal disease.

2. Even though concerns about animal diseases are increasing, the public gives it relatively low priority. Protecting animal agriculture in the United States requires cooperation, participation and partnership. While the USDA has assumed leadership in combating the foreign animal disease problem, they do not have the resources nor the desire to assume these responsibilities alone. Consideration must be given to the fact that an outbreak of foreign animal disease within the state of Arizona could be devastating to the economy and the health of the state as well as the entire country. The state/local response is the first line of defense in an animal health disaster, the quality of which likely will determine the final economic impact to the state and national industry, and public as a whole.

3. The Office International des Epizooties (OIE) provides worldwide disease reporting services to 147 Member Countries, including the United States, on the occurrence of certain animal diseases, and establishes guidelines for trade in animals and animal products. The OIE has published, in the International Animal Health Code (ISBN 92-9044-485-1), the following list of diseases of concern:

OIE LIST A DISEASES: Defined as transmissible diseases which have the potential for very serious and rapid spread, irrespective of national borders; may have serious socioeconomic or public health consequence; are of major importance in the international trade of animals and animal products. All list A diseases are foreign to the United States except for Vesicular Stomatitis and Bluetongue.

African horse sickness

African swine fever

Bluetongue

Classical swine fever (Hog Cholera)

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

Foot and Mouth Disease

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (Fowl Plague)

Lumpy skin disease

Newcastle disease

Peste des petits ruminants

Rift Valley fever

Rinderpest

Sheep pox and goat pox

Swine vesicular disease

Vesicular stomatitis

OIE LIST B DISEASES: Transmissible diseases which are considered to be of socioeconomic and/or public health importance within countries and which are significant in the international trade of animals and animal products. Reports are normally submitted once a year by OIE member countries, although more frequent reporting may in some cases be necessary to comply with Section 1.2 of the International Animal Health Code. Some diseases listed on OIE List B are foreign to the United States.

Multiple Species Diseases include Anthrax, Aujeszky=s disease (Pseudorabies), Echinococcosis/hydatidosis, Heartwater, Leptospirosis, Q fever, Rabies, Paratuberculosis, and Screwworm.

Cattle Diseases include Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Brucellosis, Genital Campylobacteriosis, Tuberculosis, Cysticercosis, Dermatophilosis, Enzootic bovine leukosis, Hemorrhagic septicaemia, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Pustular vulvovaginitis, Theileriosis, Trichomoniasis, Trypanosomiasis, Malignant catarrhal fever, and Bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Sheep and Goat diseases include Ovine epididymitis (Brucella ovis), Caprine and Ovine brucellosis (excluding B. ovis), Caprine arthritis/encephalitis, Contagious agalactia, Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, Enzootic abortion of ewes (Ovine chlamydiosis), Ovine pulmonary adenomatosis, Nairobi sheep disease, Salmonellosis (S. abortus ovis), Scrapie, and Maedi-visna.

Horse Diseases include Contagious equine metritis, Dourine, Epizootic lymphangitis, Equine encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western), Equine infectious anemia, Equine influenza, Equine piroplasmosis, Equine rhinopneumonitis, Glanders, Horse pox, Equine viral arteritis, Japanese encephalitis, Horse mange, Surra, and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis.

Swine Diseases include Atrophic rhinitis of swine, Porcine cysticercosis, Porcine brucellosis, Transmissible gastroenteritis, Trichinellosis, Enterovirus encephalomyelitis, and Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome.

Avian Diseases include Avian infectious bronchitis, Avian infectious laryngotracheitis, Avian tuberculosis, Duck virus hepatitis, Duck virus enteritis, Fowl cholera, Fowl pox, Fowl typhoid, Infectious bursal disease, Marek=s disease, Avian mycoplasmosis, Avian chlamydiosis, and Pullorum disease.

B. Assumptions

1. Local livestock producers, dairymen, feedlot operators, chicken farmers, horsemen, and hog producers likely will be the first to notice an unusual condition/disease in their animals. The concerned producer should make contact with one of four entities: a private accredited veterinarian, the State Veterinarian and/or the local Arizona Department of Agriculture livestock officer/inspector (ADA-LSO/LSI), the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (AzVDL) located at the University of Arizona, or the USDA, APHIS, VS Area Veterinarian-In-Charge (USDA-AVIC).

If the disease situation is unexpected with high death loss, or if the symptoms are unusual, and especially if a foreign animal disease is suspected, a private accredited veterinarian must report his or her findings to the State Veterinarian or USDA-AVIC. In addition, Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R3-2-402 requires veterinarians to report to the State Veterinarian, any suspected or diagnosed diseases listed in that rule, including those classified as foreign animal diseases.

The local ADA-LSO/LSI, if contacted by a producer experiencing a sudden unusual disease occurrence, has the expertise, not to diagnose, but rather to gather information and make an initial assessment. He or she will then contact the State Veterinarian.

AzVDL, if contacted by the private accredited veterinarian or directly by the producer, will in turn contact the State Veterinarian and/or the USDA-AVIC regarding the unusual disease occurrence. In addition, A.A.C. R 3-2-402 also requires all laboratories to report to the State Veterinarian, any suspected or diagnosed diseases listed in that rule, including those classified as foreign animal diseases.

2. When contacted by the ADA-LSO/LSI, producer, AzVDL, or in some cases, a private laboratory, the State Veterinarian, or the USDA-AVIC, will in turn contact the other person by telephone to determine what steps, if any, are necessary to further characterize the disease occurrence, based on their judgement of the possibility of a foreign animal disease being involved. This may include the dispatching of a Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) to the location, and requesting assistance from the USDA Regional Emergency Animal Disease Eradication Organization (USDA-READEO) Early Response Team (USDA-ERT).

If the FADD determines that the differential diagnosis includes a foreign animal disease, the USDA-AVIC will notify USDA-Emergency Programs and other appropriate federal government officials. The FADD will obtain a Foreign Animal Disease Investigation case number from the USDA-AVIC. In addition, the USDA-AVIC and State Veterinarian, depending on the likelihood of a foreign animal disease, will take steps, in concert with ADA-LSOs/LSIs, to isolate the disease to as small an area as possible. This may necessitate the involvement of local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to assist in isolating the area.

3. If the suspected disease has potential wildlife impacts, the State Veterinarian will contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AzG&F). AzG&F, in cooperation with ADA, will determine the appropriate response to protect wildlife or conduct surveillance activities in wildlife to determine their disease status.

4. Suspected foreign animal diseases in or potentially affecting wildlife or fish will be reported to the AzG&F, who in turn will report this information to the State Veterinarian. If the disease has potential livestock impacts, AzG&F will determine the appropriate response in cooperation with the ADA.

5. If the suspected disease has potential public health impacts, the State Veterinarian will contact the Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS). The AzDHS, in cooperation with ADA, will determine the appropriate response to protect human health and welfare.

III. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

A. Upon notification by the State Veterinarian that an outbreak of foreign animal disease is suspected, the Director-ADA will activate the Primary State Core Decision Group which consists of the following representatives:

1. Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA)

a. Director

b. Associate Director, Animal Services Division

c. State Veterinarian, Animal Services Division

d. Chief Livestock Officer, Animal Services Division

e. General Counsel-Attorney General=s Office

f. Public Information Officer

2. USDA-AVIC

3. Director, Arizona Division of Emergency Management

4. Industry representative(s) (depending on animal species involved)

5. Director, Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

The Director-ADA, on the advice of the State Veterinarian, may activate any and all of the Secondary State Core Decision Group which may consist of the following representatives:

1. Director, Arizona Game and Fish Department

2. Adjutant General, Arizona National Guard

3. Director, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

4. Director, Arizona Department of Health Services

5. Director, Arizona Department of Public Safety

B. The Primary State Core Decision Group and possibly some or all of the members of the Secondary State Core Decision Group will make the determination as to:

1. Procedures necessary to isolate the affected area.

2. Which Emergency Support Function(s) (ESF) of the State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan (SERRP) will be activated.

3. When to request activation of a USDA-READEO.

4. When to activate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) located at the Papago Park Military Reservation.

5. The procedures to be utilized to combat the outbreak once it is identified as a foreign animal disease.

C. When the SEOC is activated, all members of the Primary and Supporting Government Agencies, and if possible, Supporting Private Organizations of this Appendix, and the Primary and Supporting Government Agencies from any other activated ESFs will establish and maintain a presence in the SEOC.

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Primary Agency

1. Arizona Department of Agriculture (ADA)

a. ADA is identified as the primary government agency for this Appendix. As such, ADA will function as the primary decision maker for the Primary and Secondary State Core Decision Groups, and co-decision maker with USDA for the USDA-ERT, if activated, and function as the lead state agency when the USDA emergency management system is activated.

b. ADA will function as the liaison between the local identifying person(s), the State of Arizona, and the federal government.

c. ADA will issue quarantines, and oversee the implementation and enforcement of restricted or quarantined areas determined necessary by the Primary State Core Decision Group, with the assistance of the other state and federal supporting agencies. Because time is of the essence in an animal health emergency, quarantines may initially be issued verbally but will be documented in writing by letter or administrative order as soon as practical.

d. ADA will determine the extent to which ADA personnel will respond to an animal health emergency. Duties in support of this Appendix will take priority over all other duties of the Department.

B. Support Agencies:

1. State Agencies:

a. Attorney General=s Office (AG)

(1) AG will provide representation to the Primary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) AG will provide legal assistance, including preparing administrative orders, as required, to accomplish the overall mission of dealing with a foreign animal disease within or adjacent to the boundaries of the State of Arizona, including lands owned by Tribal Governments.

(3) AG will function as the liaison between the ADA and legal counsel representing federal and Tribal Government.

b. Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Arizona (AzVDL)

(1) AzVDL will provide representation to the Primary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) AzVDL will participate in the operation of a USDA-ERT, if activated.

(3) AzVDL will report suspected foreign animal disease to the State Veterinarian.

(4) AzVDL may, in some cases, provide initial tentative diagnosis of a foreign animal disease from samples provided by either local producers or local veterinarians and forward the samples to the appropriate USDA laboratory.

(5) AzVDL will assist ADA, when requested, with the collection and submission of appropriate samples for definitive diagnosis of suspected foreign animal disease.

(6) AzVDL will assist ADA and other state agencies in their efforts to combat the foreign animal disease.

(7) AzVDL will coordinate with the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory during the initial investigative phase, as well as during the management phase of an outbreak.

c. Arizona Division of Emergency Management (ADEM):

(1) ADEM will provide representation to the Primary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) ADEM will assist ADA in obtaining a Governor=s Declaration of a State of Emergency, or in the Governor=s absence, a Declaration from the State Emergency Council.

(3) ADEM will assist ADA in obtaining assistance from the National Guard.

(4) ADEM will activate the SEOC when determined necessary by the Primary State Core Decision Group.

(5) ADEM, through the SEOC, will provide liaison to other state, county, and local government agencies.

(6) ADEM will establish procedures for documenting expenses.

(7) ADEM, through activation of the SERRP, will provide access to the State Emergency Council, and federal agencies, other than the USDA, as required.

d. Arizona National Guard (AZNG):

(1) AZNG will provide representation to the Secondary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) AZNG will activate appropriate members of the AZNG as directed by the Governor of Arizona. The following types of Guard members may be required:

(a) Military Police

(b) Heavy Equipment Operators

(d) Helicopter Crews

(e) Administrative personnel

(f) Communications experts

(3) AZNG will assist local and county law enforcement, DPS, and ADA personnel in the staffing of roadblocks and security at quarantine sites.

(4) AZNG will assist ADA in the preparation of burial sites for dead animals or those to be humanely destroyed, and to assist local law enforcement, DPS, and ADA personnel with security at burial sites.

(5) AZNG will assist ADA and other responding agencies with the transportation of equipment, response personnel, and affected animals.

(6) AZNG will assist ADA with the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

(7) AZNG will assist with mobile communications systems in support of the plan.

(8) AZNG will assist in other missions which may be deemed essential by the Primary State Core Decision Group and approved by the Governor.

e. Department of Public Safety (DPS):

(1) DPS will provide representation to the Secondary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) DPS will provide roadblocks on state and federal highways in restricted or quarantined areas delineated by the State Primary Core Decision Group and/or the USDA.

(3) DPS will assist local and county law enforcement, ADA and AZNG personnel in restriction of entry into the restricted or quarantined area.

(4) DPS will perform other functions as requested by the Primary State Core Decision Group or, if activated, the SEOC.

f. Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ):

(1) ADEQ will provide representation to the Secondary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) ADEQ will provide recommendations to the Primary State Core Decision Group as to the most appropriate method(s) for disposal of dead, destroyed, and affected animals. If burning is utilized, ADEQ will determine what fuels and procedures should be utilized to minimize the environmental impact. If burial is determined to be the method of disposal, ADEQ will determine if the materials should be buried on site or transported to an offsite location. If the materials are transported to an offsite location, ADEQ will identify the offsite location and make recommendations, in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation, regarding specific transportation requirements.

(3) ADEQ will assist the AZNG in assessing the safety of disinfectants used for cleaning and disinfection of vehicles, equipment, and facilities.

(4) ADEQ will provide personnel at the site of each destruction and disposal area. ADEQ personnel will be qualified to make environmental assessments.

g. Department of Health Services (ADHS):

(1) ADHS will provide representation to the Secondary State Core Decision Group when requested by ADA.

(2) ADHS will Immediately upon being informed that a suspected foreign animal disease has been detected within the State of Arizona, determine the public health risk and impact, if any.

(3) ADHS will notify the U.S. Centers for Disease Control that an outbreak of a foreign animal disease has occurred within the boundaries of the State of Arizona, inform them of the nature of the disease, its primary animal host, and if it is considered to be a health hazard to humans.

(4) ADHS will assess the public health risk associated with burial or burning of dead and affected animals, and provide this information to the Primary State Core Decision Group.

h. Game and Fish Department (AzG&F):

(1) AzG&F will coordinate with ADA and participate in the Secondary State Core Decision Group as requested by ADA, and as a responding agency if required. AzG&F will provide advice on risks to wildlife and methods to mitigate these risks.

(2) AzG&F will support the law enforcement aspect of the restricted or quarantine area, if applicable.

(3) If the foreign animal disease is one that has a history of affecting wild animals, AzG&F will initiate a surveillance program in the immediate vicinity of the outbreak and determine if the disease has spread to wildlife. In addition, AzG&F will initiate steps to prevent the spread of the disease to susceptible wildlife.

(4) In the event that a foreign animal disease is first detected among wildlife or fish, AzG&F will immediately notify the ADA who will activate the Primary State Core Decision Group, and appropriate Secondary State Core Decision Group members as deemed appropriate.

2. Federal Agencies:

USDA, APHIS, VS Emergency Programs will assume a primary role for responding to a foreign animal disease emergency within a few days of diagnosis. Initial response of the USDA will be through the USDA-READEO for the Western Region. This Appendix provides for response actions prior to the full involvement of USDA, and also provides a framework for supporting the USDA once they are fully engaged through their emergency response structure. USDA will use the State Veterinarian as the primary contact point for ADA. The State Veterinarian will serve as the ADA representative in the USDA response system.

3. Private Organizations:

Private organizations have a great deal of interest in a response plan of this type since their livelihood may depend upon the outcome. In most cases a private entity, such as a local veterinarian, will be the first Aon scene@ and must make immediate decisions. A local veterinarian, as a veterinarian accredited by the USDA, APHIS, VS and the State Veterinarian, has the authority to verbally restrict movement of animals suspected of being affected with a foreign animal disease. The local veterinarian is then required to immediately notify the State Veterinarian who, with the assistance of the USDA-AVIC, determine the next appropriate action(s) to confirm or rule-out the presence of a foreign animal disease, and to restrict animal and, if necessary, people movement in and through the affected area.

Private enterprises such producers, auction markets, slaughtering establishments, and renderers will be notified by the ADA when an animal disease emergency exists. They will be encouraged to actively participate in an emergency response.

V. DIRECTION AND CONTROL

A. The primary point of contact for activation of this Appendix is the State Veterinarian. The State Veterinarian will notify the members of the Primary State Core Decision Group and, if necessary, members of the Secondary State Core Decision Group after consultation with the Director-ADA and request convening of the members. If the situation is such that the state must get involved immediately, the Director-ADEM will request a proclamation by the Governor of a State of Emergency. This proclamation will make available the Governor=s Emergency Fund and will activate all or a portion of the Arizona National Guard.

B. When the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture declares an emergency or extraordinary emergency, the USDA-READEO can be fully activated with funding made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation for indemnity.

C. If and when the outbreak exceeds state and local capabilities and resources, the Governor, after consultation with the Emergency Council, may request a Presidential Declaration of either an Emergency or a Major Disaster.

D. Local veterinarians, the AzVMA, animal control agencies, and the Humane Society will participate in an emergency operation on a voluntary basis.

VI. ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

A. The ADA and the State Veterinarian, along with a number of other state agencies, will serve as members of the SEOC Staff.

B. Reimbursement of expenses will be in accordance with guidelines established in the Arizona Revised Statutes and the Arizona Administrative Code.

C. All participating local, county, and state agencies will be responsible for maintaining a log of events and expenses in accordance with procedures established by the agency and approved by ADEM. This log and a record of expenses will be made available to ADEM upon termination of the emergency. Each organization will also maintain a Daily Situation Report (SITREP) which will be forwarded by facsimile to the Planning Section of the SEOC (if activated) or the State Veterinarian, on a daily basis NLT 1700 hours daily. The period of the report shall be from 12 noon of one day to 12 noon of the next day.

VII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

ADA in coordination with ADEM is responsible for the development and maintenance of this Appendix. Other members of the Primary and Secondary State Core Decision Group will review this Appendix on an annual basis or as necessary following the activation of this Appendix. Any changes recommended by the Primary or Secondary State Core Decision Group will be forwarded to either the State Veterinarian or ADEM.