By Scout Nelson
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is awarding more than $15.3 million to improve livestock health and emergency response systems across the United States. The funding supports 68 new projects under the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP), created by the 2018 Farm Bill and made permanent through the Animal Health Protection Act.
These projects aim to strengthen animal disease outbreak prevention and response. They will also boost producer awareness and training, promote top-tier biosecurity practices, and assist in developing emergency response plans for states and tribal nations. The ultimate goal is to ensure a faster recovery for producers impacted by animal disease incidents.
“USDA is awarding this funding through the 2018 Farm Bill’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP).”
In Kansas, both Kansas State University and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) received funding. Kansas State University will focus on creating Region 7 tabletop exercises and workbooks for extension professionals through its National Agricultural Biosecurity Center. The KDA will train secure food supply coordinators and evaluate livestock disposal methods for use during outbreaks.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to reduce the impact of animal pests and diseases while helping maintain and grow market access for U.S. agricultural products. NADPRP aims to improve the nation's readiness to detect and respond to diseases quickly and effectively, minimizing disruptions to the food supply chain and reducing long-term impacts.
By investing in education, planning, and response resources, APHIS is working to build a more resilient and secure agricultural system for the future. These projects will support collaboration between federal, state, and tribal partners to protect animal health nationwide.
Photo Credit:kansas-livestock-foundation
Categories: Kansas, Government & Policy