USDA Awards $1.2 Million to Tribes for Animal Disease Preparedness: What It Means for Livestock and Biosecurity!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced a significant investment in enhancing the nation’s animal disease preparedness by partnering with Tribal communities. As part of the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), APHIS has awarded $380,000to support four new cooperative agreements with Tribal partners. These agreements, combined with earlier funding, bring the total NADPRP investment in Tribal-related projects to $1.2 million.
These projects, selected from the FY2024 Tribal Funding Opportunity, are designed to improve biosecurity, enhance animal disease response, and increase traceability in the event of an outbreak. Tribal nations, along with state and federal agencies, are key partners in preventing the spread of high-consequence animal pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture.
Strengthening Biosecurity and Disease Response
The funded projects include a wide range of initiatives aimed at protecting livestock and improving animal health in Tribal communities. Among the key initiatives are:
Education and training on biosecurity measures for livestock protection.
The development of animal disease emergency response plans for early detection and containment of outbreaks.
Enhanced animal disease traceability capabilities to track and manage disease spread.
Programs to improve poultry health, biosecurity, and flock management.
Virus containment strategies for swine owners.
Community-based outreach and education on animal disease prevention and response.
These efforts will equip Tribal partners with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their livestock and ensure the safety of the broader agricultural community.
Collaboration for a Stronger Future
NADPRP’s mission is to address the risks posed by emerging and foreign animal diseases that could threaten the U.S. food system. This is accomplished through cooperative agreements between APHIS and various partners, including Tribal organizations, universities, and livestock producer groups. Together, these entities develop high-impact projects that focus on prevention, preparedness, detection, and response to animal diseases.
Earlier this year, APHIS awarded $830,000 for two additional NADPRP projects that are jointly led by universities and Tribes, further reinforcing the importance of collaboration between these key stakeholders. As the USDA continues to transform the nation’s food system, these partnerships are vital to ensuring that all communities, including Tribal nations, are equipped to handle the challenges of animal disease outbreaks.
Empowering Tribal Communities
These projects are especially significant for rural and Tribal communities, where livestock plays a critical role in both the economy and cultural practices. By improving biosecurity and disease preparedness, the USDA and its partners are helping to secure the livelihoods of farmers and producers while promoting resilience and sustainability.
Dr. Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “The shortage of rural and food animal veterinarians threatens agricultural livelihoods and rural economic growth. We need to create a path forward to address this critical issue.”
USDA’s Broader Commitment
These initiatives are part of the USDA’s broader commitment to supporting agriculture across the country. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA is focused on creating more resilient local food systems, improving access to safe and nutritious food, and ensuring fair markets for all producers. The NADPRP program reflects this commitment by investing in the infrastructure and knowledge needed to protect U.S. agriculture from emerging threats.
For more information on these projects and other USDA initiatives, visit USDA.gov.
