Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the formation of the Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. The program will provide grant funding to assist Iowa-based companies in the development of safe and effective vaccines that may help protect Iowa livestock from foreign animal diseases.
Though the threat of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains high, prevention and preparedness measures are also being taken to respond to risks posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is working in collaboration with farmers, producers, industry partners, and federal, state, and local officials to be ready to swiftly respond to any threat.
“Protecting Iowa’s nation-leading livestock industry from devastating foreign animal diseases is enormously important to the farm families and local communities that benefit from its $13 billion-dollar impact,” said Secretary Naig. “Vaccine development is one of many steps we are taking to help safeguard our farm animals because it is important to have tools available to effectively respond to disease and protect our food supply.”
Source: iowaagriculture.gov
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Iowa, Livestock