EXCITE H5N1 Extension Education for Dairy Farmers: A Coordinated National Response
Extension Education
Jacqueline Wilkins
Abstract
The goal of the EXCITE collaboration with the USDA, National Center for Farmworker Health, CDC, and other partners, was to increase Extension Agent and Dairy Farmer Knowledge of H5N1 to increase prevention practices on farm and reduce the spread of H5N1 and human disease related to H5N1. To support a coordinated national response, a dedicated project team was formed to guide the development of clear, effective educational messages. Two dairy Extension agents were supported as curriculum development specialists, leading resource development and professional training efforts. Evidence-based resources were developed, organized, and shared with Extension agents across the nation on aspects of H5N1 in animals and humans and to encourage integration of a one health approach into their dairy programs. These resources were shared through the development of a H5N1 focused website, factsheets, one-page flyers, posters, and various other publications. Monthly spotlight sessions showcased experts who provided updated and timely information on H5N1 with a particular emphasis on working closely with five of the states most affected by H5N1. These efforts have resulted in gained knowledge, change, and new and stronger partnerships, including university and independent researchers, 4-H and rural health agents, health care providers, and veterinarians. These partnerships have allowed this program to increase its reach to more dairy producers and, as a result, workers have an increased knowledge and understanding of H5N1 and the potential transference and impact on human health, increasing the adoption of prevention practices on farm to reduce human and animal health risk relative to H5N1. Five funded land-grant institutions and 43 non-funded institutions participated in the project and contributed to a coordinated response through training, outreach, material development, and on-farm engagement, collectively reaching thousands of producers, workers, and industry partners across the country. Funded institutions reported 217 activities, reaching 3,082 participants. Non-funded institutions (n = 11) reported 511 activities, reaching 4,258 participants. Since non-funded institutions were not required to report, it is believed that activities and reach were even more expansive. The H5N1 project strengthened national Extension capacity by expanding biosecurity education, deepening partnerships, and delivering practical, producer-focused resources across diverse dairy communities.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Jacqueline Wilkins, Tina Horn, Diego Manriquez Alvarez, Jason Hartschuh
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Wilkins, J. Professor, Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University , Ohio, 43210
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Horn, T. One Health EXCITE H5N1 Dairy Specialist, EXCITE, South Carolina, 29706
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Manriquez Alvarez, D. Assistant Professor, Dairy Systems Specialist, Colorado State University, Colorado, 80523
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Hartschuh, J. Dairy Management and Precision Livestock, Field Specialist , The Ohio State University, Ohio, 43420