NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative, One Health approach to animal health initiatives. State departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in the state, while being the first line of defense against animal disease outbreaks.
An outbreak of a foreign animal disease, like African swine fever, could cripple the entire agricultural sector with long-lasting ramifications for the economic viability of U.S. livestock production. Timely prevention, identification, control and, where appropriate, eradication of animal diseases is essential to U.S. agricultural production, food security, public health, animal welfare and international market access.
NASDA members believe that the humane and compassionate care of all animals is of central importance to maintaining the health, welfare and value of animals that are raised, marketed, transported and processed. NASDA encourages the development of educational programs and activities that communicate factual information on food and fiber production to the public, including specific activities that protect both the public and animals from potential illness.
Continued research is needed to evaluate and develop production systems that provide for the health and well-being of animals while not simultaneously injuring an economic and wholesome food and fiber supply for the nation’s consumers.
