Michigan State University ERAIL Program Helps Prepare for Livestock Accidents
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Emergency scenarios involving animals can be stressful, dangerous situations, especially when they occur on roadways. The Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock (ERAIL) program led by Michigan State University Extension seeks to address the challenges facing emergency first responders, leading to safer roadways for animals, livestock transporters and the Michigan public alike.
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On the Road
Millions of head of livestock are transported across the U.S. daily. With its significant livestock agriculture industry, Michigan contributes considerably to those numbers. Livestock owners and transporters rely on first responders to show up in times of crisis; however, not all emergency personnel are prepared for scenarios involving animals.
“We have a great network of first responders here in the state, and they’re very good at what they do,” says Beth Ferry, MSU Extension educator. “But not all of them understand how to handle, move and deal with animals.”
The ERAIL program provides equipment, training and facilities that prepare first responders for emergency scenarios involving livestock. MSU’s facilities provide hands-on, in-person training for responders across the state and beyond. With proper training, firefighters, police, animal control officers and other personnel across Michigan can help mitigate injuries to people and animals during accidents.
“We don’t want to think about the accidents that can impact us, but we do hope that somebody will be on the way to help,” says Brad Deacon, director of the Office of Legal Affairs and Emergency Management at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Being Prepared
Michigan is home to a diverse range of livestock, including cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and even honeybees. In high-stress scenarios, it is essential for those involved to understand how to manage stressed or injured animals.
It can be challenging for responders without an agricultural background to successfully calm and contain animals. Preparing emergency personnel to deal with livestock of all kinds benefits both the animal’s welfare and the public’s safety on shared roadways.
To help prepare communities for dealing with livestock emergencies, MSU – through funding from MDARD – established six ERAIL response trailers across the state, with more in the works. The trailers are stocked with tools and equipment that responders can use to contain and treat livestock after an accident.
“Having a program like this recognizes the importance of livestock agriculture in Michigan,” Deacon says. “This is a great investment in our first responders and in our livestock industry.”
A Sense of Security
For transporters and livestock owners, knowing the communities they travel through are equipped to respond to emergencies can provide an extra layer of security. ERAIL provides additional training to the communities with response trailers and equipment. Emergency equipment like gates and chutes can help contain livestock during an emergency, which is often the first step in managing the situation.
“When livestock transporters step into that truck, they’re thinking what could happen and what could go wrong,” Ferry says. “I think it’s just a sense of security knowing that the trailers are there.”
MSU’s training program has already reached personnel outside the state of Michigan, and Ferry hopes the training will also help responders in other states prepare.
“Michigan’s really been a leader in this type of a response and this type of a program,” Ferry says. “And it’s great to see us doing the right thing and then teaching others how it’s done.”
See more: Michigan Rapid Response Team Helps Safeguard Against Foodborne Illnesses
Farm Facts: ERAIL
Emergency Response to Accidents Involving Livestock, or ERAIL, provides training and resources for people responding to accidents involving animals. Learn how their training impacts the success of the livestock industry and those they’ve trained.
$52.1 billion worth of meat produced in the U.S.
Millions of animals transported throughout the U.S. weekly
80% of ERAIL program participants found the training applicable
91% of ERAIL program participants increased their skill set of methods for accident response
96% of ERAIL program participants plan to provide training information for their shared organization
Source: Michigan State University