Chapter 12 Appendix IV: Comments from the Department of Defense

United States Government Accountability Office

GAO DRAFT REPORT DATED DECEMBfiR 16.

•VETERINARIAN WORKFORCE: ACTIONS ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT CAPACITY FOR PROTECTING PUBLIC AND ANIMAL HEALTH"

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COMMENTS TO THE GAO RECOMMENDATION

RECOMMENDATION: In report rccommcndaiioι⅜ number 5 the GAO Fceonimcnds that the Secretary of Defense ensure that the component agencies that employ veterinarians complete pandemic plans that contain the necessary elements put forth in the Department of Homeland Security’s continuity of operations pandemic guidance, including periodically testing, training, and exercising plans.

DOD RESPONSE: Concur. As reflected in the draft report. DoD is currently working with component agencies that employ veterinarians to complete pandemic plans that contain the necessary elements of the Department of Homeland Security's continuity of operations pandemic guidance (including periodically testing, training, and exercising plans). Efforts arc underway to finalize the Army Pandemic Influenza (PI) Plan. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch. Headquarters. US Army MEDCOM. plans to hold a 2^nd Quarter. FY 2(M)9 confercncc/tclcconfcrcnce for all concerned parties to adjust the current Army plan to meet the NORTIICOM-di reeled Pl response phases. The implementation date of the final Pl plan will be determined based on current mission priorities.

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