The National Pork Producers Council welcomed the signing of a bill to increase the number of agricultural inspectors at U.S. entry points.
NPPC says the bill will help prevent the spread of African swine fever, and other foreign animal diseases from entering the United States.
The legislation authorizes funding for 720 new agricultural inspectors at land, air and sea ports.
The legislation also authorizes 600 new agricultural technicians and 60 new agricultural canine teams.
NPPC President David Herring, a hog farmer from North Carolina, says, “This is a victory for farmers, consumers and the American economy.”
NPPC says the most likely path for a foreign animal disease to enter the country would be through the illegal transport of contaminated products.
An outbreak of certain foreign animal diseases would immediately close U.S. pork export markets, causing significant damage to farmers and consumers.
NPPC continues to advocate for other preparedness measures, including quickly establishing a U.S. Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank as provided for in the 2018 Farm Bill.
