Future disease preparedness for agricultural animal health

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) annual meeting took place September 22-25, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The purpose of this meeting is to bring commissioners, directors, and secretaries of agriculture together to discuss and collaborate on leading issues impacting the agricultural  industry.

VBS Professor and Endowed Pomeroy Chair Carol Cardona served on a panel of experts at this meeting to discuss current efforts to safeguard the animal agriculture industry against foreign and emerging animal disease threats, such as H5 influenza, which continues to pose a threat to animal health in a few species. The panelists focused on how the livestock sector is working toward strengthening biosecurity and sustainability measures and enhancing collaboration among state and federal agencies, industry stakeholders and farmers.  Cardona explains, "H5 influenza viruses have spread across the globe and now the U.S. where they have become endemic in wild bird populations. Annual incursions of the virus into domestic animals are likely to continue because there is a continuous source from this reservoir. Animal production systems need to live with a constant threat and prevent infections and maintain reliable protein sources for the consumer. That’s where the Secure Supply plans can help.” 

NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement. For more information, please read "Animal Health experts offer perspectives on future disease preparedness during NASDA annual meeting," featured in The Fence Post.

For more information, please visit the Secure Food Systems website.