What: Farmers, industry representatives and government officials will gather for an update on foot and mouth disease and what an outbreak would mean in California. The event is coordinated by the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center in Tulare. News media are invited to attend a midday news conference; those planning to also attend the regular symposium sessions should reserve space in advance. (See media contacts below.) When: Monday, April 23 Symposium -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. News conference -- 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Edison Agricultural Technology Application Center (Ag TAC) 4175 S. Laspina, Tulare, Calif. Who: News conference speakers will include: -- Bennie Osburn, dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine -- James Cullor, veterinary professor and director of the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, Tulare -- Richard Breitmeyer, the state veterinarian and director of the Division of Animal Health and Food Safety Services for the California Department of Food and Agriculture -- Stan Andre, chief executive officer, California Milk Advisory Board Background: Since the beginning of the European foot and mouth disease epidemic in February, California farmers, veterinarians and government officials have been contemplating the impact of a potential outbreak of the devastating virus in California. During this one-day symposium, speakers will provide updates on the worldwide impact of foot and mouth disease, what a domestic outbreak would mean to California, plans for rapid response in the event of an outbreak and herd-protection advice for livestock producers. Directions: Edison Ag TAC is located south of downtown Tulare on the east side of Highway 99 at the Avenue 200 exit. A map of the site is available online at http://www.sce.com/002_save_energy/002e2_visitor_info.shtml. Visuals: Following the news conference, veterinarians will demonstrate how they examine dairy cows for telltale symptoms of foot and mouth disease. Because there are no animal facilities at the Ag TAC symposium site, these demonstration exams will be done at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center, just two minutes south of Ag Tac on County Road 112.