The National Defense Authorization legislation approved by the Senate includes language to require an analysis of Foot and Mouth Disease. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst brought the provision forward that recognizes the risk of FMD to U.S. food production, the economy and national security. Nebraska Pork Producers Executive Director Al Juhnke says this will hopefully lead Congress to authorize funding for an FMD vaccine bank.

He says any FMD outbreak would be devastating for not only the pork industry but for beef, corn and soybean producers.

Juhnke says it’s positive the Senate defense measure calls for the Defense and Agriculture Departments to analyze the nation’s ability to respond to an FMD outbreak.

The Senate legislation must be conferenced with the House version that was approved in July.