WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ronny Jackson (TX-13) reintroduced the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance and Rapid Response Act. This legislation makes critical investments in the foremost animal health programs at USDA that are critical to protecting America’s farmers’ and ranchers’ livestock operations from devastating foreign animal diseases and pests. Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), Rep. Don Davis (NC-01), and Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21) are co-leading this legislation.

“As the representative of one of the largest animal agriculture districts in the country, I know how essential it is to ensure that the Department of Agriculture has the tools necessary to stay ahead of foreign animal disease outbreaks, not just react to them,” said Rep. Ronny Jackson. “With the threat of New World screwworm moving closer to our Southern Border and USDA being required to halt live animal imports from Mexico, proactive investment is critical to protect our agricultural producers, our rural economies, and our food supply.”

“We need to ensure that when epidemics like African Swine Fever make it to the U.S., they can be stopped in their tracks, and the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act will help with that,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “The Swine Fever has been detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and could cost the U.S. Swine industry, which Nebraska is a leader in, $50 billion.”

“Agriculture is the cornerstone of eastern North Carolina's economy, and farmers and producers need access to all available tools to combat threats such as African swine fever and avian influenza,” said Rep. Don Davis. “By focusing on early detection, rapid response, and strong protection measures, we can ensure the resilience and vitality of our livestock industry.”

“Protecting livestock operations and having the tools to prevent animal disease outbreak is critical to keeping our food supply chain intact,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “This legislation will boost our nation’s efforts to prevent, detect and respond to animal disease outbreaks that threaten American agriculture and therefore our nation.”

Bill text can be found here.

Cosponsors include Representatives Don Davis (NC-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Adam Gray (CA-13), David Rouzer (NC-07), Brad Finstad (MN-01),and Dan Newhouse (WA-04)

Comprehensive list of stakeholders supporting:

American Sheep Industry Association; American Veterinary Medical Association; Livestock Marketing Association; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; National Milk Producers Federation; National Pork Producers Council; National Turkey Federation; Texas Cattle Feeders Association; Texas Farm Bureau

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