Success StoryFrom Equine Biosecurity to COVID-19 Preparedness--One Health in Action



From Equine Biosecurity to COVID-19 Preparedness--One Health in Action

Author: Roberta Dwyer

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Equine

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Hands-on trainings and in-person lectures on equine biosecurity always emphasize the basics of cleaning and disinfection, traffic control, isolation and quarantine. However, in the past several years, specific content on personal protective equipment (PPE) has also been included as I found a lack of understanding between different masks, gloves and coveralls by audiences, both veterinarians and animal owners.  I taught this material in response to issues evolving from the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak and biosecurity measures successfully implemented to contain the virus from US hospitalized patients at referral centers. This is a working example of the One Health Initiative. Information learned from a human disease outbreak was directly implemented into veterinary and animal owner trainings. Hopefully those individuals are utilizing that knowledge to properly use PPE in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to protect themselves and others.