US: Pork and agriculture industry groups unite to safeguard against ASF

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the National Pork Board (NPB) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) announced their partnership at the NASDA Winter Policy Conference on Feb. 15. “When you bring together state, federal and industry groups with different strengths to take on challenges, you see a united force of resilience across all fronts,” said Ted McKinney, chief executive officer at NASDA. “Our four organizations together will be able to coordinate strategies for animal disease preparedness and response, on not just one level but on local, state and federal levels. This type of collaboration will lead to better response to outbreaks and, ultimately, to better animal health and welfare across the US.” ASF has yet to enter the United States, but the nation’s stakeholders have nonetheless been taking precautions to prepare for and prevent the disease. “USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection ...