Veterinarians to be "First Responders" in case of disease outbreak

More than two-hundred-50 Iowa veterinarians have signed up to be “first responders” in case there’s an outbreak of a serious livestock illness in Iowa, like foot and mouth disease. Iowa Ag Secretary Patty Judge says that surpasses expectations.”We had a goal when we started out of trying to find 100 veterinarians — one in each county — (who) could operate as a deputy, so to speak, in the case of an emergency be a hands-on officer representing the state veterinarian’s office if need be,” Judge says. Judge says it shows the “Iowa spirit” that so many vets have signed up to take that responsibility. There are presently over 13-thousand veterinarians licensed to practice in Iowa.