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Strategic placement of Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) response trailers and subsequent trailer trainings across Michigan

Extension Education

Thomas Guthrie
Statewide Extension Educator, Equine and Swine
MSU EXTENSION
JACKSON

Abstract

Livestock-related emergencies can occur unexpectedly, requiring quick and effective response to ensure both animal welfare and public safety. The Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) program, led by Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension), aims to support Michigan’s animal agriculture industry by providing resources and training for first responders, animal haulers, and local stakeholders on how to manage livestock-related accidents effectively. In 2024, the MSU Extension ERAIL team strategically placed five additional ERAIL response trailers throughout Michigan near known livestock transportation routes for a total of eight statewide. Counties where ERAIL trailers were placed in 2024 included: Berrien, Gratiot, Lapeer, Midland and Monroe counties. Along with the placement of these trailers, the MSU Extension ERAIL team delivered a series of ERAIL trailer training events. ERAIL trailer training is designed to 1) create awareness that ERAIL trailers exist and how to access this resource and 2) familiarize first responders with the trailer equipment by providing scenario-based activities while utilizing the ERAIL trailer and equipment as an educational tool. Since 2021, the MSU Extension ERAIL team has completed seven trailer training sessions with a total of 127 participants completing the trailer training. Post survey responses indicate that 96% of participants increased their knowledge of the ERAIL program, including where trailers are located, how to access the trailer and use the equipment. ERAIL trailers have been deployed to accidents involving livestock on multiple occasions throughout Michigan. Cooperation and coordination between various organizations and individuals has brought the ERAIL response trailer resource to communities across Michigan to ensure public safety related to the accident scene, aiding in mitigation of animal welfare concerns and equipping first responders and the animal agriculture industry with the necessary tools when responding to accidents involving livestock.   

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Thomas Guthrie, Jerad Jaborek, Beth Ferry, Casey Zangaro, Mike Metzger, Cora Okkema , Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa , Ana Heck, Katie Ockert
  1. Guthrie, T. Statewide Extension Educator, Equine and Swine, Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 49202-2135
  2. Jaborek, J. Beef Feedlot Systems Extension Educator, Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 48471
  3. Ferry, B. Extension Educator, Swine , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 49022
  4. Zangaro, C. Extension Educator, Swine , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 48801
  5. Metzger, M. Extension Educator, Small Ruminants , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 49202
  6. Okkema , C. Extension Educator, Dairy, Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 49307
  7. Bacigalupo Sanguesa , P. Extension Educator, Dairy , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 48854
  8. Heck, A. Extension Educator, Apiculture , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 48910
  9. Ockert, K. Extension Educator , Michigan State University Extension , Michigan, 48846