The UNMC Center for Rural Biosecurity was chosen on Thursday to partner with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead emergency response protocols in rural areas in the event of a biological attack or disaster. The designation was included in the Agricultural Appropriations Bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“We are pleased that the committee recognizes the role the National Center for Rural Biosecurity can play to improve security infrastructure in rural America,” said Steve Hinrichs, M.D., the center’s director. Dr. Hinrichs noted the work of Sen. Ben Nelson in securing the designation.
Language in the bill directs the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to work with the Center for Rural Biosecurity in many areas of agricultural biosecurity, including animal diagnostics, food safety and the accidental or intentional release of pathogens. Dr. Hinrichs noted that members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation are working diligently to secure resources for the center. In particular, Dr. Hinrichs said, Congressman Lee Terry has led efforts to verse leaders in the House of Representatives about the center’s importance.
The National Center for Rural Biosecurity, Dr. Hinrichs said, improves Nebraska’s emergency response capacity by sharing information, expertise and resources within Nebraska and the region to improve communication and distribution of information that can be used in response to an emergency. The center is compiling a database of information to be shared in the event of an emergency.
“This is great news for Nebraska and UNMC,” Nelson said. “The Rural Biosecurity Center will spearhead emergency responses to potential threats like biological attacks, agriterrorism or other attacks in rural areas.”