The National Pork Producers Council applauded the United States House for approving an additional $19.6 million for more agricultural inspectors.
The inspectors will be at land, seas and air ports to prevent against African Swine Fever and other foreign animal diseases.
“For more than a year, NPPC has advocated for an increase in the number of agricultural inspectors at our borders,” NPPC President David Herring said in a release. “We applaud the House, especially Reps. Vela, Thompson, Peterson, Axne, Carbajal, Gonzalez, Costa, Rouzer and Fortenberry, for approving an essential provision to reduce the risk of ASF and other FADs and to protect the rural economy from a devastating outbreak. We also thank the USDA and Customs and Border Protection for all they have done to strengthen U.S. biosecurity.”
According to the NPPC, the most likely path for a foreign animal disease to enter the country would be through infected animals or contaminated products.
An outbreak would “would immediately close U.S. pork export markets, with significant harm to our farmers, consumers and overall economy.”
The funding, which was a part 2020 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, was a top priority for the National Pork Producers Council.