AVMA celebrates plans to implement critical animal health provisions from 2018 Farm Bill

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For immediate release: 08/11/2019

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS) announcement regarding initial plans for implementation of key Animal Health Provisions from the 2018 Farm Bill. These plans include $10 million in funding for the new National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and existing National Animal Health Laboratory Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) in 2019. In addition, APHIS will gather information in the fall regarding supply for the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, the third component of this novel three-pronged approach to animal health. 

 
"We are glad to see USDA take these important steps in implementation of key animal health provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill. The funding provided to the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program and National Animal Health Laboratory Network is crucial to help ensure we are better prepared to respond to and prevent the most urgent threats of animal pest and disease outbreaks. AVMA worked closely with Congress on this legislative priority and applauds USDA for providing the initial funds for these critical programs in 2019. The United States will be better able to protect animal health with these programs and the new National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, and we look forward to continuing our work with USDA to ensure the success of this groundbreaking three-pronged approach to animal health."
About the AVMA

Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.