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Chapter V V-14 JP 3-28 commander’s estimate. Local or regional public health emergency officers, a federal coordinating center, or a medical treatment facility may be able to provide initial estimates of the situation based on local health system contacts. In general, requirements depend on population health issues and the impact on local health service capabilities. (6) Population at Risk. Highest-priority health services include the most appropriate and effective interventions to reduce death and disease as determined by health estimate. Usually, the same groups who are most vulnerable in normal times are at most risk during emergencies and disasters. They include people whose health is already compromised (e.g., people with preexisting illness, serious chronic diseases, the very young, or the elderly). In situations where injuries are high, the elimination of on-scene health hazards, along with SAR and emergent surgical services, may be the highest priority. This type of support is generally short in duration due to patient survivability time limitations and the ability to rapidly build appropriate force levels for these tasks. In situations where casualties are low and displaced persons are high, preventive medicine measures will likely be the highest priority health services required (e.g., control of infectious or communicable diseases and sanitation). For more information, see DODI 6200.03, Public Health Emergency Management within the Department of Defense. d. Animal and Plant Disease Eradication. Under ESF #8 (Public Health and Medical Services) and ESF #11 (Agriculture and Natural Resources), DOD may provide assistance to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to contain and eradicate an actual or imminent outbreak of plant or animal diseases. USDA’s Administrator for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) may request DOD assistance if an emergency arises from the introduction of a foreign animal or plant disease and/or pest. (1) USDA and DOD signed an MOU that provides a mechanism for USDA to request and receive priority support if the presence of animal diseases or pests constitutes an emergency, as declared by USDA. (2) Through a federal task force, USDA’s APHIS coordinates, directs, and conducts the federal response to control and eradicate animal and plant diseases and pests, reimbursing DOD for actual costs incurred. GSA provides supplies and equipment. Given SecDef approval where required, ASD(HD&GS) coordinates requests with the CJCS, the commanders of the CCMDs with DSCA responsibilities in the matter, and Military Department Secretaries and other DOD officials as appropriate. ASD(HD&GS) also coordinates or consults, as appropriate, with DHS and other federal agencies on the development and validation of DSCA requirements. The Services and other supporting commanders may provide installations for bases of support, provide resources, and identify and provide technically qualified personnel to assist USDA as directed by the Joint Staff. (3) Defense Health Agency, Veterinary Services Branch, appoints a veterinary support officer to coordinate with the regional animal disease eradication officer for veterinary support that may be available IAW an approved MOA. When directed by the appropriate supported commander, the Defense Health Agency, Veterinary Services