Representatives from local, state, and federal agencies will be tasked to work together as they respond to and investigate an outbreak of an FAD and effectively manage information and allocate appropriate resources during the initial phase of an FAD outbreak. The collaborative effort between law enforcement and industry will help ensure that all responding parties are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of an actual agro-terrorism attack.

This exercise is the result of a series of workshops and training seminars that have been held over the past 18 months. Organizers of the exercise have spent more than 12 months planning the ATAC 08 field training exercise. Along with the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office, the participating agencies include the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, Chester County Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Pennsylvania at New Bolton Center, and St. Joseph's University.

The exercise is a closed event that is not open to the public or media. However, a press availability and a demonstration of the materials and equipment utilized for decontamination and WMD (weapons of mass destruction) response will be held at 11:00 AM at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine at New Bolton Center located at George D. Widener Hospital, Woerner Amphitheater, 382 West Street Road, in Kennett Square, PA. Media inquiries related to the Agro-Terrorism press availability can be directed to Jennifer Rench at (610) 925-6182 or jrench@vet.upenn.edu.