The AVMA has strongly supported the ongoing modernization of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) in Ames, Iowa, including significant facility construction and technological upgrades to maintain and enhance animal health and food security. The expansion of these facilities and the incorporation of advanced technology results in significantly increased operational costs.

The AVMA is concerned that if these increased operational costs are not reflected in increased annual operating budgets for the organizations that comprise the NCAH Agricultural Research Service, National Animal Disease Center, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and APHIS Center for Veterinary Biologics, necessary ongoing programs related to animal health and food security will be adversely impacted.