Released April 4, 2008
STILLWATER, Okla. -- Two major state agencies are teaming up to help Oklahoma agricultural producers and agribusiness operators explore how they can best protect their animals, farms and investments from the threat of agroterrorism.
Beginning April 14 and running through July, the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry will host an “Agroterrorism: Can It Happen Here” seminar at various county locations.
Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and finish at 8:30 p.m., with special meetings for first responders taking place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., said Dr. Dave Sparks, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian and food-animal health and quality specialist.
“There will be discussion on prevention as well as what to do if it happens to you,” Sparks said. “Specific location information for each meeting will be available through your local OSU Cooperative Extension county office.”
There is no cost to attend. Refreshments will be provided thanks to support by Farm Credit Services.
April meetings currently are set for Ardmore, April 14; Wilburton, April 15; Hugo, April 16; Ada, April 17; Ponca City, April 28; Woodward, April 29; and Enid, April 30.
Norman will host the agroterrorism seminar on May 1.
June meetings currently are set for Pryor, June 9; Bartlesville, June 10; Okmulgee, June 11; and Stillwater, June 12.
July meetings currently are set for Altus, July 21; Clinton, July 22; Lawton, July 23; and El Reno, July 24.
Terrorists have the potential to disrupt the nation’s economy, food supply and social structure simultaneously by targeting U.S. agriculture.
“A foreign animal disease could wipe out animals on your farm and the farms of your neighbors,” Sparks said. “Even if the effects on the nation were minimized, it could still be devastating to the local community, our county and the state.”
Contact information for OSU Cooperative Extension county offices is available through local telephone directories and at http://countyext2.okstate.edu on the Internet.
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Contact: Donald Stotts, (405) 744-4079, donald.stotts@okstate.edu
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