Ibach: Disease Prevention Remains A Priority For the USDA

USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach recently testified before a House sub committee regarding the country's animal pest and disease prevention and response capabilities.  He said Ag quarantine inspection officers are on the front lines.

“They inspect cargo and passengers coming in to the country to ensure these import protocols are met. If a pest or disease ever makes it in to the country, our surveillance and detection programs allow us to identify it, and swiftly begin a targeted containment control and eradication response.”

When it comes to Foot and Mouth Disease, it’s been kept out of the U.S. for 90 years, and that he hopes for the same results with Asian Swine Fever or ASF.

“We have been monitoring outbreaks of ASF in Europe and ASIA for a number of years,” Ibach said.  “An outbreak in the US would have severe economic consequences, especially considering there is no vaccine available.”

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com