MISSISSIPPI STATE – People coming to the aid of large animals involved in accidents and disasters need to proceed with caution for themselves and the distressed animals.

Mississippi State University is hosting a two-day training program in late March to make emergency responders aware of issues involved in large animal rescues.

The Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness Course will take place March 29-30 at the MSU Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Blackjack Road at 240 Wise Center Dr. The $75 registration fee covers instruction, certificate, lunch and refreshments. Twelve hours of veterinary continuing education credits are available.

Dr. Carla Huston, associate professor in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, said the course is designed to teach responders how to protect humans and distressed animals from further injuries.

“Even people who are experienced with cattle and horses can make mistakes when trying to assist in a disaster, such as a fire or highway accident,” she said. “We use this training to help people understand the dangers involved and some methods for addressing a variety of situations animals can encounter.”

The course is designed for emergency responders, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal handlers, livestock owners, livestock transporters, facility operators and anyone who works with livestock or exotic animals. It will cover instruction on large animal emergency rescue techniques, hands-on equipment labs and live animal handling demonstrations.

Additional information and registration forms, which are due by March 20, are available at http://www.cvm.msstate.edu/.

Contact: Karen Templeton, 662-325-1100