Sheep Industry News March 2022

ASI Annual Convention Hosted SSWS Plan Trainings

ERICA SANKO ASI Director of Analytics & Production Programs A SI hosted Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan training sessions for producers and stakeholders during its Annual Convention in San Diego. "I thought the workshop was informative and timely on how to prepare for the unexpected in a disease outbreak," said Idaho producer Cindy Siddoway. "As we enter our third year of COVID-19 and the impact it has on our daily lives, it is important to know how to prevent and control an outbreak of contagious diseases on our farms and ranches. The feedback and discussion from fellow attendees was most beneficial.” The morning session on Jan. 19 helped more than 30 industry influencers from all across the United States learn more about the SSWS resources available. They were trained to help producers develop contingency and biosecurity plans to protect their flock from foot and mouth disease. They learned how to use presentations, narrated videos, handouts, biosecurity templates and disease monitoring tools in work shops or one-on-one meetings with producers. Many are making plans to host a SSWS Plan training in their state or region later this year. “This made me think differently about my own actions when mov ing between sheep flocks," shared one attendee. "I can take these ideas home and help other producers find ways to better protect their flocks." Two interactive workshops were offered in the afternoon for pro ducers to learn what might happen if FMD were found in the United States. They were given ideas on how to voluntarily prepare to protect their flocks in an outbreak. Several new trainers attended to see ways to conduct their own workshops.

Producers learned how to develop a contingency plan to keep their businesses “moving” in the event of an FMD outbreak. The first and easiest step is to request a free premises identification number – if they did not already have one. PINs will be required to request a movement permit in an FMD or other foreign animal disease outbreak. Learn more at SecureSheepWool.org/Assets/SSWS_Premises-ID-Info.pdf Another important step for producers is to create a premises map of their operation. Producers were asked to think about areas where sheep are housed as if it were a castle with walls. Then, figure out a way to build a "moat" or line of separation to prevent movement of the FMD virus to areas where sheep might be exposed. Attendees were able to use an ASI member’s sheep ranch and walk through the process. Figuring out where to put the drawbridge – or access points – led to lively discussions. Resources to get started on your own map are avail able at SecureSheepWool.org/producers/biosecurity. The training sessions were led by Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, who worked with ASI to develop the SSWS Plan and materials. Bickett Weddle also provided an update on the SSWS Plan materials and biosecurity practices during the Production, Education and Research Council meeting. Funding for the trainings was made possible – in part – by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SSWS PLAN ASI is working with Bickett-Weddle on two projects aimed at en hancing the SSWS Plan and preparing sheep producers to voluntarily prepare for an FMD outbreak. The first is updating the Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance bios ecurity chapter. Special focus will be on practical biosecurity steps that can be taken daily to further improve flock health. Then, ways to step up to enhanced biosecurity measures as de scribed in the SSWS Plan materials. This will ensure consistency in messaging across the SSQA Program and SSWS Plan. ASI is currently working with Colorado State University on enhancing and updating the SSQA Program. The second is developing movement decision criteria for sheep and cattle grazing public land allotments during a potential foreign animal disease outbreak. USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program funding is supporting ASI and the National Cattle men's Beef Association to collaborate with public land agencies, states and industry partners, such as the Public Lands Council. The project is expected to take two years to complete. Visit SecureSheepWool.org for more information.

Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle walks producers through Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan training at the ASI Annual Convention.

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 19