Improving Youth Awareness of
Zoonotic Diseases
Education grant provides funding for improving youth awareness and understanding of zoonotic diseases.
Julie Thelen, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension educator for Michigan 4-H Livestock and Veterinary Science Programs, and partners in the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) have received the Michigan Youth Zoonotic Disease Education Grant.
The $20,000 grant will provide an educational program that will implement two strategies to increase awareness of zoonotic diseases and risks to the youth of Michigan.
- 1. All 4-H and FFA members will receive informational pamphlets and other materials. More than 44,000 Michigan 4-H members will receive these materials.
- 2. Educational efforts will be maintained through reinforcement strategies that include distribution of educational toolkits, zoonosis signage at fairs and events, and a zoonosis education video contest. These materials will be available for all 4-H leaders in every county.
The project will focus on improving youth awareness and understanding related to the possibilities of zoonotic disease transmission when working with animals, and motivating young people to take appropriate precautions to minimize risk. It will teach an important life skill in personal safety and disease prevention to young people, and will be a relevant educational component for MSU Extension animal and veterinary science programs as well.
“Zoonotic diseases are a growing concern for those working with animals. Our best tool to minimize these concerns is to educate youth who have close contact with animals,” said Thelen. “The goal of this grant is to improve youth awareness of zoonotic disease, motivating those involved in raising and caring for animals to continue to adopt practices that can help keep humans and animals healthy, as well as prevent zoonotic disease transmission.”
The project begins November 2014 and extends through December 2015.
This educational effort offered to 4-H youth will allow them to live healthier lives and help to make a difference in their clubs, communities, country and world. Michigan 4-H engages almost 30,000 youth annually in 4-H animal programs.
Editor’s Note: This article was provided by the Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources.
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