Early detection and rapid response are necessary to minimize the impact of an outbreak. To accomplish this requires not only early detection and accurate diagnosis, but rapid and secure communication of information and sample custody during handling. Outbreak management involves many individuals representing several institutions and agencies, including LGUs, private industry, USDA APHIS, state departments of agriculture, and communications media. To ensure efficient management of outbreaks will require the cooperation of all these individuals; they will need to perform as a team. It is important that all involved understand their roles and responsibilities during the outbreak. An NPDN exercise committee has developed a national exercise program to help each state attain and maintain a level of preparedness. The exercise program includes different types of scenarios to reflect the different aspects of outbreak management. The NPDN exercise committee includes representatives of NPDN, APHIS, and the National Plant Board. Exercises have been conducted in over 40 states.