Tuesday, the U.S. House approved the fiscal year 2020 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. Included in that was an additional $19.6 million to fund more agricultural inspectors at land, air and seaports to prevent African Swine Fever and other foreign animal diseases. Nebraska Pork Producers Association Executive Director Al Juhnke says that’s been a top priority for the pork industry and they’re pleased with its passage.
He says with time running out in this year’s Congressional session, that’s almost advantageous in that little can or will be changed in the bill.
Juhnke says key to getting the measure approved in the House were Midwest Representatives led by House Ag Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota, Ag Appropriations sub-committee member Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska and Congresswoman Cindy Axne of Iowa.
The most likely path for a foreign animal disease to enter the country would be through the importation of infected animals or contaminated products. An outbreak of certain foreign animal diseases would immediately close U.S. pork export markets.
