First Detector Educator
In-Service Training
The CSREES-sponsored National Plant Diagnostic
Network (NPDN) Education Committee is offering
first detector training for individuals who
are most likely to first encounter exotic
pests in the field: county extension agents,
pest coordinators/managers, and Master Gardeners.
The course objectives are to:
- create an awareness of agricultural bioterrorism
and the mission of the NPDN;
- improve exotic pest recognition and early
detection capabilities;
- improve identification skills of exotic
and existing pests of concern, and;
- provide proper protocols for sample submission
of suspected exotic pests.
The NPDN is divided into five regions each
of which are coordinated by a land-grant
institution: the University of Florida – Southern
(SPDN); Cornell University - Northeastern
(NEPDN); Kansas State University – Great
Plains (GPDN); Michigan State University
- North Central (NCPDN); and, the University
of California, Davis- Western (WPDN).
The University of Florida coordinates the
NPDN Education Sub-Committee, comprised of
extension educators from across the US. This
training session is chaired by Dr. Gail Wisler
of the University of Florida and the Southern
Plant Diagnostic Network (SPDN).
Course participants will become a part of
a nationwide registry of first detectors
who will be notified in the event of an exotic
agricultural pest emergency. Many university
diagnostic clinics will waive sample fees
for county extension faculty who are sending
a suspected "high risk" pest sample
for diagnosis upon completion of this program.
Although region-based training has been occurring
for two years, the first national training
was conducted at the National Association
of Agricultural County Agents in July 2004.
For more information: Carrie
Harmon 352-392-3631
ext 254 or
Amanda
Hodges 352-392-1901 ext 122.
Web access and training materials are available
on the First
Detectors! Web Site.
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