The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently awarded a total of $10.2 million to state animal health authorities, land grant universities and national animal health laboratories. The money will be used to support disease prevention and emergency response training, as well as enhance laboratory diagnostic capabilities. Funding was provided by the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and the National Animal Health Laboratory Network as part of the 2018 Farm Bill.
The Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas State University were awarded funds to be used for projects focused on animal movement control and secure food supply plans in the event of an animal disease outbreak. The K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory also received a stipend, which will be used to help improve the electronic transmission of data.
“USDA has always worked best when it collaborates with states, universities and farmers and ranchers out in the field,” said USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach. “Working together, we can further improve our ability to protect U.S. animal health and respond to animal disease events.”