Lawmakers Sound the Alarm on Animal Disease Threats—Here’s What’s in the New Federal Funding Push

As foreign animal diseases continue to threaten U.S. agriculture, lawmakers in Congress are ramping up efforts to strengthen the country’s animal health defenses—and the food industry is paying close attention.

A new legislative push, backed by bipartisan members of the House and Senate, includes major funding proposals aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to outbreaks that could cripple food supply chains. The proposed Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance and Rapid Response Act includes money for critical programs like:

  • The National Animal Health Laboratory Network

  • The National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program

  • The National Veterinary Stockpile

  • The National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank

A similar package has been introduced in the Senate’s budget reconciliation text, led by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Why This Matters Now

With recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), and other emerging threats, the risk of foreign animal diseases (FADs) is no longer theoretical. Disease outbreaks can devastate livestock populations, shut down exports, and send ripple effects through every corner of the food system—from farmers to grocery stores.

The pork, poultry, beef, and sheep industries have all thrown their support behind the legislation, warning that without increased investment in animal health, the nation’s food security and agricultural economy remain at risk.

Industry Response: Across the Board Support

From turkeys to cattle, livestock leaders are applauding the move:

  • The pork industry called the legislation “key to maintaining pork’s safety, security and affordability.”

  • The turkey sector emphasized the urgent need for tools to combat ongoing HPAI and aMPV outbreaks, calling on Congress to pass the legislation “swiftly.”

  • The beef industry stressed the importance of strong cattle health programs as the first line of defense for farms and ranches.

Other groups backing the proposals include the American Sheep Industry Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

What’s at Stake

The funding package aims to give animal health officials the tools they need to detect outbreaks faster, coordinate responses more effectively, and ensure access to stockpiled vaccines and veterinary countermeasures. It’s not just about protecting animals—it’s about preserving American agriculture, consumer food access, and export stability.

As disease threats continue to evolve, lawmakers and industry leaders alike are pushing for urgent action. The message is clear: defending animal health is defending national security, economic resilience, and the future of food in America.

Now it’s up to Congress to act.

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