FASTeggs
Outbreaks of avian influenza lead to movement restrictions on poultry and poultry products. The poultry industry and egg producers lack the capacity to hold eggs or egg products for long periods of time. The industry needs a tool to help maintain continuity of business. The Secure Egg Supply (SES) Plan provides a transparent process for the movement of eggs and egg products during a disease outbreak and integrates into the Center’s existing Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) in use at USDA APHIS. The resulting “FASTeggs” decision support tool works with ERSS to support a continuous supply of eggs for the US public; facilitate market continuity for the egg sector and customers; and foster a high level of government, industry, and consumer confidence in foreign animal disease preparedness and response efforts. In FY2011, this tool will be pilot tested by state and federal officials for use during an animal health emergency.