By Jamie Martin
The Reagan-Udall Foundation has released a vital report titled “Transforming Animal Health in the U.S. for the 21st Century.”
The expert panel behind it, chaired by Professor Lisa Tell, reviewed challenges in the U.S. animal health system and found that current laws are no longer effective.
Panel members held interviews and accepted written feedback from experts across sectors. They discovered that outdated rules and slow regulatory processes are blocking access to new animal drugs and nutrition solutions. This affects not just veterinary care but also the U.S. food supply.
“While chairing this Expert Panel, it was readily apparent to me that advancing animal health into the 21st century is going to be a complicated process that will require dynamic engagement,” said Lisa A. Tell. “It is going to require agencies and stakeholders to work collaboratively in order to start making impactful differences.”
The report emphasizes that improving animal health will need the involvement of various government bodies and the private sector. By rethinking how products are reviewed and approved, the U.S. can make treatments more affordable and accessible.
The panel recommends actions that will benefit both food animals and pets, including faster review timelines, lower regulatory costs, and more transparency.
The report’s goal is to help farmers, veterinarians, and pet owners get the tools they need while keeping the food supply safe. With stronger collaboration, the U.S. can become a world leader in veterinary medicine and agriculture once again.
The panel hopes the findings will lead to real policy change and better support for those who care for animals.
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Categories: National