The Arkansas Agriculture Department’s Livestock and Poultry Commission was honored to receive an FBI award in recognition of the strong partnership between the agencies in safeguarding Arkansas residents and the state’s animal agriculture industry. Special Agent C. Daniel Sturgill, weapons of mass destruction coordinator for the FBI in Fort Smith, presented a plaque to State Veterinarian Brandon Doss, Livestock and Poultry Director Patrick Fisk, Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward, and AAD Chief of Law Enforcement Billy Black. Other Arkansas agencies also receiving awards include the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, and the Arkansas National Guard.
“We work closely with our industry partners, other state agencies, and USDA APHIS VS to maintain our surveillance and response capabilities in the event of a significant animal disease outbreak,” says State Veterinarian Brandon Doss. “Our goal in all efforts is to mitigate negative animal health and economic impacts on our producers and citizens in the event of an emergency. By training and collaborating as a team, we are better equipped to act quickly and effectively,” says State Veterinarian Brandon Doss.
Livestock and Poultry Commission personnel train with statewide partners in annual tabletop exercises through the Arkansas One Health Initiative, a collaborative effort between area physicians, veterinarians, and other scientific health and environmental professionals to promote and defend public and animal health. During annual training, animal and human health experts review emergency plans, policies, and procedures so that Arkansas residents and agricultural assets are protected with updated and best available preparedness strategies.
As another service and protection to agricultural producers and landowners, the AAD has expanded the responsibility of its fully certified law enforcement staff to include all agricultural law enforcement needs. AAD Law Enforcement personnel historically have worked on timber theft and arson issues but now are assisting with multiple animal health efforts regarding carcass disposal, livestock theft, and vaccination requirements. Arson, timber theft, and forestry equipment theft and vandalism will also continue as top priorities. Send an agricultural concern or complaint to AAD Law Enforcement, here.
“Agriculture is our state’s top industry, and we want to offer our producers and industry stakeholders the highest level of protection and enforcement capability. We are confident that a law enforcement team dedicated to the entire industry can help accomplish that goal,” says Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward.
The Arkansas Agriculture Department is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation.