Source: Susan Kelly, MEATINGPLACE, 8/16/18


A total of 120 groups representing animal agriculture are leaning on Senate farm bill conferees to fully fund a National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program.

In a letter to Senate conferees, the groups argue that an outbreak of a foreign animal disease, such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) or avian influenza (AI), “has the ability to cripple the entire agricultural sector and create long-lasting ramifications for the economic viability of U.S. aquaculture, livestock and poultry production.”


A National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program is included in both the House and Senate versions of the farm bill. Proposed funding levels for the new program, in early stages of farm bill development, did not reach levels the groups deem necessary, they said in the letter.

The animal ag groups ask that the farm bill “provide permanent, full funding to address these risks to animal health while likewise bolstering the long-term ability of U.S. animal agriculture to be competitive in the global marketplace.”

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