Case Study Instructions:
These case study materials will help you prepare for the knowledge assessment by encouraging you to synthesize and apply what you have learned from the readings in Lesson 2 and 3. You are encouraged to frame the presenting problem(s) from facts about Plum Pox Virus, generate suggestions for preparedness activities, and predict possible consequences if appropriate actions are not taken. This case study problem is divided into three steps. Read each step and click on the hyperlinks to open up the case study materials. Plum Pox Virus, also known as sharka, is a viral disease of stone fruit such as peaches, plums, and cherries that was identified in a Pennsylvania orchard in 1999.

Case Study Problem: Is Preparedness Possible Before a Disease Strikes?

Case Study Step One:
► Read A Plague Upon the Land
http://www.aginfo.psu.edu/psa/sf2000/plague1.html

Case Study Step Two:
► Attempt to apply what you have learned from Lessons 2 and 3 by generating answers to the questions on the Case Study Worksheet.
Lesson Three work sheet

Case Study Step Three:
► Review the risk assessment checklist in the preparedness booklet.
► (Optional) Now return to the presentation in Lesson 2 on Producers Roles in the U.S. Initiative.pdf.
► Evaluate your answers on the case study worksheet.

Using these case study materials to teach others:

Determine how you could use the materials on Plum Pox Virus to actively engage producers learning about the importance of preparedness. Some questions you may pose to producers include: What preparedness activities are crucial to adopt? How is preparedness possible with unknown pathogens? Who should participate in preparedness planning? What is the significance of local planning to national homeland security efforts?