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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Veterinary Rapid Response Team, a nearly all-volunteer force, is growing quickly as this Midwestern state prepares for possible incidents of foreign animal disease, agroterrorism and large scale natural disasters, state homeland security officials said Wednesday.
Mark Shearer, the veterinary response coordinator for the Center for Agriculture Security, said the newly formed team's 298 members are among the state's most vital first responders.
"The animal industry and the veterinarians who serve the animal industry have a great stake in identifying and controlling animal disease," he said. "They realize more than anyone else the economic impact it has on Iowa."
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