Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 3/31/10

A $21 million package from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Texas A&M University and Kansas State University will allow efforts to prevent potentially catastrophic animal disease outbreaks to continue. The money will support the department's Center of Excellence for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense at the universities through 2016.

Based at Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense (the FAZD Center) has led a consortium of universities and institutions in efforts aimed at protecting American agriculture and public health since 2004. During the next six years, the FAZD Center will co-lead the Homeland Security Department's zoonotic and animal disease program with KSU's Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, the FAZD Center said in a news release.

The FAZD Center will develop information and analysis systems to equip decision makers with tools to manage foreign animal and zoonotic disease outbreaks. The center also will continue work on biological systems and education programs.

"Zoonotic and animal health issues have real-world implications for public health and the economy," said Tara O'Toole, homeland security under secretary for science and technology. "This award reflects the national need to leverage the country's top university and intellectual capital to address our security needs."

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