Radiological Emergency Preraredness Plan for Livestock and Pets

This document is submitted by the Board of Animal Health (MBAH) and supports the Mississippi Radiological Emergency Preparedness Plan (MREPP).

Purpose

The purpose of the document is to assist in coordinating planning, sheltering, treatment, decontamination, disposition, recovery and/or other actions when pets or livestock are involved in a radiological incident.

Planning Assumptions and Considerations

• Preservation of human life is the primary consideration.
• People may risk their lives to save their pets.
• Domestic animals, livestock, and poultry are important psychological and economical resources for Mississippi.
• Animals can and may be affected by any number of radiological incidents.
• Domestic animals may be sheltered in place or may be evacuated with their owners.
• Livestock should be sheltered in place.
• State and Federal agencies can assist in the preparation, response, and recovery from a radiological incident.

Roles and Responsibilities of the MBAH

• Coordinates the disposition of contaminated farm animals and household pets.
• Assists the MDAC with the acquisition of and distribution of uncontaminated feed for dairy cattle, other farm animals and household pets.
• Coordinates, with the MDEQ and other state agencies, the disposition of contaminated food, milk and animal feed.
• Assists in accident assessment.
• Maintains annual Iodine Sensitivity Questionnaire for MBAH staff functioning as emergency workers.
• Develops directive information about animal issues related to the accident and coordinates with MEMA public information officers regarding release of such information.
• Assists other state agencies in addressing animal decontamination and sheltering issues.

Concept of Operations

General

At the State Level the MBAH will coordinate with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Mississippi Homeland Security and other local, state and federal agencies to plan for radiological incidents. Locally, the MBAH will provide recommendations for sheltering, decontamination, disposition, depopulation, and disposal of animals as necessitated by the event. MBAH personnel will be available for local assistance as needed and available.

Organizational Structure

The MBAH has personnel in place that have been trained to operate within the NIMS at the State and Local levels.

V. Incident Management Actions

Emergency Planning Zones

Emergency Classification Levels

Abbreviations:

Other Resources

• Mississippi Emergency Management Agency