AgResponse: FAD Community of Practice

The Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases (IIAD) was awarded funding through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services to support the critical work of building a National Community of Practice (CoP) for Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Preparedness.

Led by Principal Investigator Julie Stowell‑Moss, M.Ed., PMP, this initiative aims to establish a nationwide CoP focused on strengthening preparedness and response to FAD outbreaks, with particular emphasis on supporting small and medium‑sized livestock producers.

Using the ECHO® Model, the CoP will connect producers, veterinarians, and public health officials with FAD experts to enable real‑time knowledge sharing and collaborative problem‑solving. The initiative will offer:

• Scenario‑based training
• Regular virtual learning and discussion sessions
• A digital library of best practices and resources

Together, these efforts are designed to close critical knowledge gaps and improve biosecurity, surveillance, and response capabilities across the livestock sector.

By engaging both public and private stakeholders, this collaborative network will empower producers with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to protect animal health, public health, and the national economy. Through partnership and shared learning, IIAD is helping build resilience and safeguard livelihoods against emerging and transboundary animal disease threats.