Last updated on February 6th, 2026 at 02:42 pm
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Animal Depopulation and Resiliency
Zoonotic diseases are caused by infections that can be shared between animals and people. They are a major public health concern, posing direct risks to human health while also negatively affecting animal health and reducing livestock production.
Depopulation is a necessary practice in agriculture to prevent or mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.
Depopulation events can place a significant emotional burden on producers, farmworkers, veterinarians, and others involved. Psychological impacts—including stress and fatigue—are common.
Providing information on mental health and resiliency related to animal depopulation helps individuals prepare for these challenges and supports a safer, healthier workplace.
AgriSafe now offers an Animal Depopulation Resiliency training designed to support both safety and well-being. Available in person or virtually, this training equips teams with practical tools to navigate the physical and emotional demands of depopulation events. Fill out the form linked below to bring this impactful training to your team.
Training Info
| Animal Depopulation Resiliency Training | |
|---|---|
| Workshop Length | 1 to 2 hours |
| Audience | Training for general audiences – no clinical background required. |
| Location | In-person or virtual |
Cost
Training fees will vary depending on travel and trainer requirements.
For more information, please contact Tara Haskins at thaskins@agrisafe.org.
Continuing Education
The University of Cincinnati, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Education and Research Center offers contact hours for this activity. Upon completing the evaluation, learners will receive a certificate of completion. This course can meet continuing education requirements for a variety of professionals including:
- BGC criteria for IH/CIH professionals; https://gobgc.org/
- BCSP criteria for safety professionals; https://www.bcsp.org/recertification/
- CPH criteria for public health professionals; https://www.nbphe.org/certified-in-public-health/cph-recertification/
Please contact your accrediting agency regarding questions about receiving credits for this activity.
Meet Our Instructors
Tara Haskins, DNP, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, Total Farmer Health Director
“Animal depopulation efforts place significant psychological stress on producers, farmworkers, and professionals, increasing the risk of compassion fatigue, burnout, and long-term mental health impacts. Proactive resiliency training helps protect the workforce, recognize when to ask for help, and ensures sustainable response capacity during animal health emergencies.”
Linda Emanuel, RN, BSN, Agricultural Health Liaison
“Farmers’ coping skills are pushed to the limit before, during, and after a herd or flock depopulation event. Intense grief, guilt, and moral distress can leave producers feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Building skills to manage both the practical and emotional challenges is vital for recovery and a producer’s long-term sustainability and well-being.”