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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Kenneth E. Nusbaum, DVM, PhD, Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, 164 Greene Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, 334-844-2693, nusbake@vetmed.auburn.edu

Depopulation is the accepted method for control and eradication of foreign animal diseases in the United States. Veterinarians have also been introduced to the growing demand for farm biosecurity, and for animal care in post-disaster environments. Generally unexplored, however, is the role of the veterinarian in an agricultural landscape bereft of animals. Appreciation of this role is best developed through examination of reports from the United Kingdom that describe social impacts of depopulation of some 6 million farm animals to control foot and mouth disease in the winter and spring of 2001. Not only were farmers severely depressed, but their families were stressed and in some cases, abused. Communities reacted differently to FMD quarantines, but all members of the community were under duress, and economic failure of farms translated into economic failure of the community. Veterinarians are trusted members of rural communities, and may be among the few visitors to farms and farmers subject to quarantine and depopulation. Over the years, veterinarians recognize “normal” behavior for each farmer. Thus veterinarians are well placed to serve as a source of information for farmers, and as reporters of those individuals and families in need of assistance. Local and national veterinary associations should encourage their members to develop working relationships with public and mental health providers, and to undergo minimal training to initiate therapeutic intervention for the survival and recovery of farm families.

Learning Objectives:

• 1) Describe the mental status of farmers and their families after livestock depopulation.
• 2) Describe means by which veterinarians can ameliorate the stress of farmers after herd depopulation.
• 3) Describe veterinary needs for networking within the local and national health communities

Keywords: Mental Health Services,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation