2017-2018 Resolutions - animalagriculture.org BOOKLET...bov12 managing the risk of brucellosis...

2017-2018 Resolutions

Table of Contents ANIMAL AGRICULTURE ADVOCACY COUNCIL ........................................................................................................ 1

ANIMAL CARE COUNCIL ......................................................................................................................................... 1

ACC1 CARE OF NEWBORN DAIRY CALVES ............................................................................................................... 1 ACC2 NEEDED RESEARCH IN ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................ 1 ACC3 NEED FOR OBJECTIVE GUIDELINES FOR ANIMAL WELFARE ................................................................................. 1 ACC4 SUPPORT FOR FACT-BASED ANIMAL WELFARE ................................................................................................ 2 ACC5 LONG-TERM ANIMAL CARE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION STRATEGY ................................................................... 2

ANIMAL HEALTH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ....................................................................................... 3

AHEM1 FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) ............................................................................................................. 3 AHEM2 COMMUNICATION PLAN FOR FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE (FAD) ......................................................................... 3 AHEM3 NATIONAL BUSINESS CONTINUITY STRATEGY ................................................................................................... 4 AHEM4 MAINTAIN IT FUNDING AND INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................ 5 AHEM5 INCLUSION OF WILDLIFE IN FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PLANS ..................................... 5 AHEM6 INDUSTRY ADVISORY GROUP – FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE POLICY AND PREPAREDNESS ........................................ 5

ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION & INFORMATION SYSTEMS COUNCIL ............................................................................ 6

ID1 OUTREACH/EDUCATION EFFORTS FOR THE ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY FRAMEWORK ........................................ 6 ID2 SLAUGHTER SURVEILLANCE AND ID COLLECTION .............................................................................................. 7 ID3 TRACEABILITY FUNDING .............................................................................................................................. 7 ID4 LIVESTOCK MOVEMENT WEB PORTAL ........................................................................................................... 7 ID5 USE OF ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICES AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN STATE, FEDERAL AND

TRIBAL ANIMAL DISEASE TRACEABILITY PROGRAMS ...................................................................................... 8

ANTIBIOTIC COUNCIL ............................................................................................................................................. 9

AB1 DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC SYMPOSIUM .................................................................................................... 9

AQUATIC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE ....................................................................................................................... 10

AQ1 SUPPORT FOR AQUATIC LIVESTOCK INITIATIVES ............................................................................................. 10 AQ2 ESTABLISHMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BENCHMARKS ................................................................ 10

BOVINE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................................................... 11

BOV1 SUPPORT FOR BRUCELLOSIS SURVEILLANCE FUNDING ..................................................................................... 11 BOV2 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE BRUCELLOSIS IN THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE AREA (GYA) .......... 11 BOV3 BRUCELLA VACCINE USE IN FINAL ERADICATION PHASE ................................................................................... 12 BOV4 BRUCELLOSIS ELIMINATION IN GREATER YELLOWSTONE AREA (GYA) ................................................................ 12 BOV5 FREE RANGING SPECIES RESEARCH .............................................................................................................. 13 BOV6 JOHNE’S DISEASE UNIFORM PROGRAMS STANDARDS ..................................................................................... 13 BOV7 SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM (NAHMS) LIVESTOCK SURVEYS.......................... 14 BOV8 BOVINE VIRUS DIARRHEA (BVD) EDUCATION, TESTING AND VACCINATION ........................................................ 14 BOV9 BIOSECURITY/BIOCONTAINMENT EDUCATION ............................................................................................... 14 BOV10 PREVENTING EXOTIC TICKS AND HEMOPARASITIC DISEASE ESTABLISHMENT IN THE UNITED STATES (U.S.) ................ 15 BOV11 USE OF BOVINE BLOOD ............................................................................................................................. 15 BOV12 MANAGING THE RISK OF BRUCELLOSIS TRANSMISSION FROM BISON AND ELK TO CATTLE IN THE GREATER

YELLOWSTONE AREA (GYA) ................................................................................................................... 16

EMERGING DISEASES COUNCIL ............................................................................................................................ 16

ED1 VETERINARY EDUCATION AND ACCREDITATION .............................................................................................. 16 ED2 NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK (NAHLN) ....................................................................... 17 ED3 FUNDING FOR BIOSAFETY LEVEL 3 (BSL3) AND BSL3 AG INFRASTRUCTURE AT UNIVERSITY AND STATE VETERINARY

DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES ................................................................................................................... 18 ED4 TRAINING VETERINARIANS FOR PUBLIC PRACTICE ........................................................................................... 18 ED5 MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS WITHOUT HEALTH PAPERS ..................................................................................... 19 ED6 SUPPORT FOR FEVER TICK ERADICATION PROGRAM ........................................................................................ 20 ED7 NATIONAL REPORTABLE DISEASE DATABASE ................................................................................................. 20 ED8 SUPPORT FOR PEDV CONTROL, RESEARCH AND FUNDING ............................................................................... 21 ED9 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (USDA/ NIFA)

EMERGING DISEASE APPROPRIATIONS ...................................................................................................... 21 ED10 ANIMAL DISEASE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM ............................................................................. 21

EQUINE COMMITTEE ........................................................................................................................................... 22

EQ1 FORMAL IMPLEMENTATION OF EQUINE VIRAL ARTERITIS (EVA) GUIDELINES ....................................................... 22 EQ2 FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF EQUINE ...................................................................................... 22 EQ3 EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (EIA) CONTROL ............................................................................................... 23 EQ4 NATIONAL FORUM ON SELECTED EQUINE INFECTIOUS DISEASES WITH FEDERAL/STATE REGULATORY IMPLICATIONS ... 23 EQ5 RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) REQUIREMENT FOR IMPORTED HORSES ............................................. 23 EQ6 THE NATIONAL EQUINE HEALTH PLAN AND THE EQUINE DISEASE COMMUNICATION CENTER IS IMPORTANT TO THE

HEALTH, WELFARE AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE U.S. EQUINE INDUSTRY. .................................................. 24 EQ7 EQUINE INFECTIOUS ANEMIA (EIA) AND EQUINE PIROPLASMOSIS (EP) TESTING REQUIREMENTS ............................ 25

GLOBAL ANIMAL HEALTH, FOOD SECURITY & TRADE COUNCIL ........................................................................... 25

GAHFST1 ZONING AND COMPARTMENTALIZATION COOPERATIVE GUIDELINES .................................................................. 26 GAHFST2 NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH REPORTING SYSTEM (NAHRS) ............................................................................. 26 GAHFST3 IMPORTANCE OF THE ERADICATION OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) IN SOUTH AMERICA ............................ 26 GAHFST4 SAFE SUPPLY OF AFFORDABLE FOOD EVERYWHERE (SSAFE) ............................................................................ 27 GAHFST5 ANIMAL WELFARE RESEARCH ..................................................................................................................... 27 GAHFST6 FARM-TO-FORK FOOD SAFETY ................................................................................................................... 28 GAHFST7 NATIONAL ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY POLICIES AND PROGRAMS ......................................................................... 28 GAHFST8 AVAILABILITY OF NEW ANTIMICROBIALS FOR FARM ANIMALS ........................................................................... 28 GAHFST9 DIRECT FUNDING FOR FOOD SYSTEM EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS .................................................................... 29 GAHFST10 TRADE PROMOTION AUTHORITY (TPA) ....................................................................................................... 29

POULTRY COMMITTEE ......................................................................................................................................... 30

POU1 NEED FOR FUNDING FOR RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL METHODS FOR DEPOPULATION OF POULTRY ........... 30 POU2 AMENDMENT TO THE NATIONAL ORGANIC POULTRY PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FOR CONFINEMENT DURING OUTBREAKS

OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI) .................................................................................... 30

SMALL RUMINANT COMMITTEE .......................................................................................................................... 31

SR1 DRUG AVAILABILITY FOR SHEEP AND GOATS ................................................................................................. 31 SR2 FUNDING FOR FOOD ANIMAL RESIDUE AVOIDANCE DATABASE (FARAD) ........................................................... 32 SR3 PRODUCING WHOLESOME AND SAFE SHEEP PRODUCTS .................................................................................. 32 SR4 SCRAPIE ERADICATION .............................................................................................................................. 32 SR5 JOHNE’S DISEASE RESEARCH IN SMALL RUMINANTS ....................................................................................... 33 SR6 PRODUCING WHOLESOME AND SAFE GOAT PRODUCTS ................................................................................... 33 SR7 DISEASES IN SHEEP AND GOATS .................................................................................................................. 33

SR8 FUNDING FOR SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH ................................................................................................. 34

SWINE COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................................................. 34

SW1 FUNDING FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH AND FIELD STUDIES .................................................................... 34 SW2 SWINE HEALTH PROTECTION ACT ENFORCEMENT .......................................................................................... 35 SW3 PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS) RESEARCH NEED ............................................... 35 SW4 SWINE HEALTH PROTECTION ACT SUPPORT – COMMERCIAL WASTE PROCESSING METHODS ................................. 35 SW5 MARINE ACT OF 1920 (JONES ACT) EXEMPTION ........................................................................................... 36 SW6 COMPREHENSIVE NATIONAL SURVEILLANCE PLAN FOR SWINE DISEASES ............................................................. 36 SW7 FREE RANGING SPECIES RESEARCH .............................................................................................................. 37 SW8 EXEMPTION OF LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY MANURE FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE,

COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA) OF 1980 PROVISIONS AND THE EMERGENCY PLANNING AND

COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO KNOW ACT (EPCRA) OF 1986. ............................................................................. 37 SW9 PORCINE EPIDEMIC DIARRHEA VIRUS (PEDV) RESEARCH NEED ........................................................................ 37 SW10 RESEARCH NEEDED TO ADDRESS EMERGING DISEASES OF SWINE (SIMILAR RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY THE EMERGING

DISEASES COUNCIL) .............................................................................................................................. 38 SW11 ESTABLISHING A FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE VACCINE BANK .......................................................................... 38

1 NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ANIMAL AGRICULTURE

Animal Agriculture Advocacy Council Mission: To serve the food industry through a variety of means including proactive communications support and resources based on objective, fact-based information about animal agriculture production and policy issues of importance to all stake holders.

The Animal Agriculture Advocacy Council has no resolutions at this time.

Animal Care Council Mission: To identify challenges, opportunities for collaboration and provide a forum for continuous improvement of the care and handling of livestock

ACC1 Care of Newborn Dairy Calves

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture recommends that newborn dairy calves be

fed colostrum or colostrum replacer consistent with industry standards, as outlined in the National Dairy

FARM Animal Care Manual. Before shipment from the premises where they are born, they must possess

a dry hair coat and be able to stand and walk easily without assistance from a person.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2009| Amended: 2012 | Reaffirmed: 2017

ACC2 Needed Research in Animal Transportation

BACKGROUND: Reports exist of the detrimental aspects of inadequate transportation including a high

incidence of bruising, disease and death. These reports are especially associated with very young

animals. The subject of transportation guidelines cannot be addressed with simple “one size fits all”

recommendations.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture recommends research be directed at the

specific needs of various ages and sizes of animals under specific transport situations so that a broad

range of guidelines that address the needs of transported livestock and poultry can be developed.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2002 | Reaffirmed: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

ACC3 Need for Objective Guidelines for Animal Welfare

RESOLUTION: The NIAA supports continued development and implementation of animal care guidelines

by livestock and poultry organizations that are verifiable, responsible, science-based, workable and

affordable. NIAA supports the use of these species-specific materials to educate consumers regarding

farm animal care practices.

Adopted: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

2017 – 2018 RESOLUTIONS 2

ACC4 Support for Fact-Based Animal Welfare

BACKGROUND: Animal rights (AR) groups led by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), PETA

and the Institute of Humane Education (IHE) are campaigning across the US to implement what they

refer to as “humane education,” a program of extreme ideological material they aspire to teach in our

school systems. They have been successful in a few cities, but up to now have not been successful at

the state or federal levels, despite repeated efforts to introduce legislation.

One such effort briefly succeeded in a California school system and some of this “education” did take

place. The approach was to show a movie involving animals, such as Finding Nemo, immediately

followed by a discussion focused on how cruel it is to eat fish. Parents were angered when their children

came home declaring they could no longer eat meat or fish.

RESOLUTION: Be it resolved, NIAA believes in animal welfare, not animal rights. Animal welfare

concerns the prevention of suffering and cruelty to animals; whereas the animal rights philosophy

advocates an end to all “human use of animals,” considering such use “exploitation” of animals.

Further resolved, NIAA believes human societies require and accept the use of animals as sources of

food and fiber, as well as for scientific research, sport, companionship, entertainment, and clothing.

NIAA considers it is the obligation of animal caretakers to provide the best care possible of animals

throughout their lifetime. Further resolved, NIAA supports future generations learning the importance

of respecting and caring for animals, both wild and domesticated, and extremist animal rights groups

should not be allowed to dictate information children will be exposed to.

Adopted: 2013 | Amended: 2017

ACC5 Long-term Animal Care Awareness and Education Strategy

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has a long history of providing

leadership around difficult and sometimes controversial issues within the industry. NIAA recognizes

that animal care and livestock welfare is of paramount concern and an issue which is becoming

increasingly important to the public. As such, NIAA is committed to engage with all stakeholders –

including industry members, producers, administrators and consumer groups - to consider hosting a

series of symposiums around the issue of animal care in agriculture, assisting in the development of an

educational curriculum, and speaking at other meetings where livestock welfare or care are key topics.

The meetings will be strategically planned to ensure a comprehensive approach and planned according

to NIAA’s mission to build consensus and advance solutions. In addition, NIAA should be actively

engaged in developing a reasonable, transparent approach to create awareness among state animal

health officials, state animal care administrators, livestock organizations and industry members, and

producers. Mistreatment of livestock is not condoned by livestock producers, livestock marketers,

livestock handlers, livestock veterinarians, and other livestock professionals.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) should seek venues and potential

partners to increase the awareness of the need to ensure investigators involving animal care issues are

fully trained and are knowledgeable of accepted animal care practices in the food animal industry. This


effort could include, but is not limited to, speaking at meetings of like-minded organizations, developing

a training curriculum, or hosting a series of symposiums. The outcome of this effort is to actively engage

industry members, producers, administrators, and investigators of the nuances of raising and caring for

livestock, and whose charge it is to oversee potential deviations from proper animal care practices.

Adopted: 2014

Animal Health Emergency Management Council Mission: To provide a forum for representatives from animal agriculture, the veterinary profession, governmental agencies and academia to address animal health emergency management (AHEM) issues that may adversely affect animal agriculture or public health.

AHEM1 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

BACKGROUND: In light of homeland security and the continued outbreaks of FMD worldwide, the risk of

FMD entering this country has increased. Protection of United States (U.S.) livestock herds consists of

assisting other countries in their disease control efforts, adequate border controls, awareness and

education, and surveillance.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) requests: (1) the U.S. Department of

Agriculture (USDA) continues to work with international organizations to eradicate FMD. (2)

USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seek additional funding for international initiatives. (3)

Until eradication is completed, USDA and the Department of Homeland Security should continue to take

appropriate measures to prevent the introduction of this disease into the U.S., including increased port

of entry inspection, pre-clearance procedures, technical assistance and support, education and

awareness programs, and enhanced surveillance in the U.S. and U.S. territories. (4) The NIAA strongly

urges the USDA to: vigorously pursue multivalent FMD vaccine development, including new technology

FMD vaccines, to enable surge capacity needs and ensure rapid access; increase U.S. laboratory surge

capacity available in preparation for an FMD outbreak; and, establish test performance of FMD

diagnostic assays in endemic areas (for both laboratory use and direct field application; e.g. movement

clearance). Necessary funding should be obtained.

Adopted: 2001 | Amended: 2002 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2008 | Amended: 2012 | Amended:

2014

AHEM2 Communication Plan for Foreign Animal Disease (FAD)

BACKGROUND: While state and federal animal health officials and industry organizations are familiar

with the routine nature of FAD investigations, the public and media are not. When a FAD investigation

occurs in concentration points such as livestock markets and packing plants, there is more visibility to

the investigation. This has resulted in intense media interest, inaccurate reporting, significant market

volatility and losses to producers, and international concerns. It is critical that a communication strategy


is developed to address these situations. A communication strategy is also critical in the event that the

investigation confirms the existence of a FAD.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges Department of Homeland Security,

United States Department of Agriculture, state animal health officials and industry to work together to

continue to develop and implement a strategy that would include standard operating procedures and

any other appropriate guidelines to address the communication needs for foreign animal disease

reporting, investigations, operational response and recovery; considering implications across the

complete supply chain, (to include all poultry and livestock species) especially market repercussions

relating to animal product disposition Communication plans should be revisited regularly and exercised

with inclusion of stakeholders.


2009 | Amended: 2012 |Reaffirmed: 2017

AHEM3 National Business Continuity Strategy

BACKGROUND: The introduction of a foreign animal disease or other animal health emergency would

have a devastating impact on United States (U.S.) agriculture. There is a need to develop a strategy to

facilitate the continuation of agricultural operations during an animal health emergency and the

subsequent response and recovery periods. The animal agriculture industry needs to identify and define

the business continuity risks associated with an animal agriculture emergency and develop a

comprehensive strategy (operational plan) by which the industry can continue to operate during an

animal agriculture emergency and identify resources necessary for recovery. This process will need to

encompass numerous future industry initiatives and legislative and regulatory policies and clarify

appropriate operational plans to protect producers and allied industries from losses associated with

stop movement orders, downtime and loss of business opportunity.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) will facilitate the collaborative

development of a national business continuity strategy (operational plan) for all of animal agriculture

and encourage the formation of consistent business continuity plans for individual species organizations.

The NIAA will promote the development and distribution of educational materials to producers and

allied industries to increase awareness of the potential implications of an animal health emergency and

to encourage producers to participate in preparedness, response and recovery planning.

The NIAA will also facilitate, through the envisioned council process, collaborative efforts among

industry leaders and representatives to enact federal and state legislative and regulatory support which

will enable effective continuity of business (COB) planning implementation. The NIAA encourages

industry to work with USDA to proactively seek incorporation of commodity specific export loss

prevention mitigation strategies into the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code (TAHC), as appropriate. The

NIAA will also cooperate with the U.S. Animal Health Association and other state emergency

management coalitions to effectively implement a national continuity of business strategy (operational


plan) which coordinates, integrates and engages both the public and private sectors as outlined in

Homeland Security Presidential Directive #9.

Adopted: 2008 | Amended: 2009 | Amended: 2010 | Amended: 2014

AHEM4 Maintain IT Funding and Infrastructure

BACKGROUND: IT support systems are critical during emergency response and the importance of their

usability, accessibility, transparency, scalability and integration cannot be overemphasized. There needs

to be continued development, improvement, and support of these systems to ensure the availability of

these important emergency response resource tools to end users.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) urges the United States Department

of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, and state animal health officials to enhance

cooperative efforts in IT system build-out in support of emergency response and situational awareness

of disease. This resolution extends to funding, investment and adequate human capital and cooperative

commitment of existing systems and knowledge resources, between federal and state government,

academia, and industry.

Adopted: 2012 |Reaffirmed: 2017

AHEM5 Inclusion of Wildlife in Foreign Animal Disease Prevention and Response Plans

BACKGROUND: Wildlife populations and their interfaces with domestic livestock and poultry

populations continue to change in the U.S. The introduction of a foreign animal disease (FAD) into

wildlife populations could go undetected for some time, self-limit, or become endemic. The risk they

present to domestic livestock and poultry for maintaining and spreading FADs is not well understood

and could have devastating consequences. As such, wildlife populations must be included in FAD

prevention and response plans.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) urges the United States Department

of Agriculture, Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Interior, and responsible state

wildlife agencies to 1) cooperate in the development of FAD response plans, which address prevention

and control strategies for relevant wildlife populations; 2) provide guidelines and tools for how to assess

the risk wildlife present during an FAD outbreak, such as identifying the spatial and temporal units for

high risk areas of concern for FAD maintenance or areas of higher propensity for disease spread, as well

as defining criteria for determining a disease-free wildlife populations; 3) enhance wildlife surveillance in

the U.S.; 4) continue research and provide advice on the efficacy of available surveillance and response

measures (e.g. hunting, vaccination) to control and eradicate FADs in wildlife populations, including the

possible use of new diagnostic tests and vaccines.


AHEM6 Industry Advisory Group – Foot and Mouth Disease Policy and Preparedness


BACKGROUND: The introduction of a foreign animal disease or other animal health emergency would

have a devastating impact on United States (U.S.) agriculture. National Institute for Animal Agriculture

members appreciate the intensive preparedness efforts that the United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA) and partner agencies continue to make. Members also recognize that now, with

counter measures such as new vaccines, electronic incident permitting for movement, pre-agreed upon

biosecurity compliance agreements, etc. on the brink of final development, is an optimal time for more

intensive input from producers, processors and other potentially impacted business sectors.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) encourages the United States

Department of Agriculture (USDA) to work with NIAA, USAHA, and other stakeholders to form a foot and

mouth disease policy and preparedness working group, composed of interested businesses, academia

and State Animal Health Officials. Because NIAA membership includes cross-species business interests

and business organizations composed of producers, processors, bankers, suppliers, academia, etc., NIAA

is willing to and should be a key member of the advisory committee.

Adopted: 2013

Animal Identification &

Information Systems Council Mission: To play an important role in bringing unresolved issues such as advocating cost effective technologies and systems for modernizing the identification of livestock that has significant implications for residue avoidance, disease control and providing management information to producers.

ID1 Outreach/Education Efforts for the Animal Disease Traceability Framework

BACKGROUND: Since the announcement of the Animal Disease Traceability framework, the United

States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state/industry partners have been working to develop and

provide information about the goals, implementation, and overall direction of this new program. From

experience it is understood that considerable education about and promotion of the Animal Disease

Traceability system, will be required to avoid misinformation. In order to move forward, it is critical to

provide accurate, timely, and transparent communication about implementation of the Animal Disease

Traceability framework.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) strongly supports the USDA/Animal

and Plant Health Inspection Service/Veterinary Services ongoing efforts to gather stakeholder

information, provide outreach programs and educational materials for the Animal Disease Traceability

framework. NIAA encourages a proactive approach, including leveraging outreach funds in cooperation

with industry organizational partners, tribal and state animal health authorities to promote benefits of

the enhanced Animal Disease Traceability system to stakeholders and to address public misconceptions.



ID2 Slaughter Surveillance and ID Collection

BACKGROUND: The brucellosis surveillance slaughter sample collection and testing program has not

only been integral to the control and eradication of brucellosis, but also has served to aid in the

traceability of other significant diseases. As brucellosis surveillance has been reduced, there is a wide

recognition that the needs for animal disease traceability are increasing.

Whereas the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is deeply concerned that there will be a

severe gap in animal disease traceability now that the brucellosis surveillance has been reduced and

current animal ID/blood collection contracts are reduced or eliminated. Even though the CFR describes

the requirements for FSIS inspected slaughter plants to collect animal ID and correlate those animal IDs

to the appropriate carcasses, we are concerned that it may not be performed properly in all slaughter

plants to enable appropriate disease trace-back.

RESOLUTION: NIAA is requesting that United States Secretary of Agriculture direct the Administrator of

USDA-APHIS and the Administrator of USDA-FSIS to support and ensure that the collection of all man-

made identification and correlation of those animal IDs to the appropriate carcasses from all livestock

slaughtered. This activity is critical to ensure trace-back for enhanced animal disease traceability.


ID3 Traceability Funding

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) acknowledges and applauds the

unique and collaborative process USDA-APHIS-VS, States, and Tribes used to establish the final Animal

Disease Traceability framework. With the advent of reduced participation in animal disease programs

fewer livestock in the U.S. are officially identified. In addition, we recognize many other gaps that inhibit

regulatory efforts in effective animal disease traceability. We recognize that the current economic

climate may challenge or prohibit adequate funding and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has expressed

concerns about animal disease traceability being an unfunded mandate.

Whereas animal disease traceability is of critical importance and most states are committed to

accomplishing our joint traceability goals.

RESOLUTION: In order to maintain the viability, health, and marketability of U.S. livestock, NIAA strongly

supports the implementation of the animal disease traceability framework and urges the U.S. Secretary

of Agriculture to ensure adequate funds are available for the implementation of ADT.


ID4 Livestock Movement Web Portal

BACKGROUND: Discussion at the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) and NIAA joint

meeting on ADT in August 2013 and at other meetings have identified an industry need for one resource

to find requirements for moving livestock of different classes from one state to another. Ideally, the

resource could be available online and as a mobile app.


It was discussed in the Animal Identification Committee at USAHA in October 2013 that this effort could

begin with cattle movement requirements and then expand into other species. Also discussed at this

meeting was the possibility of building a system that has uses in an animal health emergency situation in

addition to its day-to-day uses. For example, perhaps this system could be used to provide information

about new livestock and commodity movement requirements in the event of an emergency, such as

secure milk requirements to allow the milk supply to continue flowing despite a disease event.

RESOLUTION: NIAA and the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) have approved the United

States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services and

the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials in collaboration with NIAA, USAHA and private

and public stakeholders to create and maintain an easy-to-use, publically-accessible resource that

compiles identification, documentation, disease-specific, and other movement requirements for

livestock moving interstate. Furthermore, NIAA supports the development of this resource being

created in a manner that would allow for additional uses such as emergency response.

Adopted: 2014 |

ID5 Use of Electronic Identification Devices and Information Management Systems in State,

Federal and Tribal Animal Disease Traceability Programs

BACKGROUND: Electronic identification devices (EID) and information systems, in all their forms,

provide opportunities to improve the accuracy of traceability data, increase data capture efficiencies

and more easily share critical information between systems and entities in many sectors of the livestock

industry. EID is not the solution for everyone and in all situations, and options for visual identification

should continue to be available to provide flexibility across industry segments. However, as large

numbers of animals are aggregated at livestock markets, feedlots, exhibitions and processing facilities,

EID and electronic information management systems have great potential for increasing the volume of

reliable traceability data and decreasing labor requirements without slowing the speed of commerce.

While upfront costs for EID devices and associated information systems can be higher than traditional

visual ID and paper-based record keeping, the long-term benefits to individual operations and

traceability systems appear to justify investments in EID technologies in livestock production systems,

marketing segments and supply chains throughout the industry. Near-term, widely applicable and

relatively easy-to-implement solutions that have a demonstrable and relative short-term positive ROI

should be favored over longer-term, yet-to-be-proven or relatively difficult-to-implement solutions. The

availability and cost effectiveness of various solutions has increased in recent years and the industry’s

focus should be on demonstration, sharing best practices and increasing rates of adoption of existing

workable solutions.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA strongly supports increased use of any and all official electronic identification

devices and associated information management systems in all segments of the livestock industry where

individual producers, market and feedlot operators, exhibition managers, processing facilities and

regulatory agencies deem these technologies of value to their operations and the industry as a whole.


NIAA urges the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to ensure adequate funds are available as part of the

Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) implementation in support of these efforts.

Adopted: 2017

Antibiotic Council Vision Statement

The NIAA Antibiotic Council seeks to enhance an animal agriculture industry that is aligned with judicious antibiotic use policies and practices.

Mission is to facilitate and encourage:

• the judicious use of antibiotics in food animal production to ensure public health, food safety, animal health and welfare;

• applying sound science including the development of metrics to measure the relationship between antibiotic use and resistance as the basis for decision-making and policy development regarding antibiotics in food animal production;

• education and communication on the role, benefits, risks and most current information on antibiotic uses in food animal production;

• leadership and partnership with food chain stakeholders (from farms to consumers to allied industry, etc.) to promote judicious antibiotic use policies and practices;

• measurement of the effects of interventions on outcomes.

AB1 Development of Antibiotic Symposium

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, consumers are intensely interested in how their food is grown and raised,

including how antibiotics are used in farm animals. Often this conversation is polarized between animal

health, public health, environmental health and consumers. Animal agriculture must continue to strive

to:

• work together across species and health disciplines;

• identify common goals and shared solutions;

• reach out to all stakeholders with factual, science-based information;

• continually improve;

• build trust.

RESOLUTION: NIAA shall support planning of the 2017 antibiotic symposium to be held at a site and

date to be determined that will engage participants from the human and veterinary medical and retail

communities in an interactive format to cover a variety of perspectives and continue the conversation

about antibiotic therapy and resistance dynamics in human and animal health.


2017


Aquatic Livestock Committee Mission is to advance sustainable aquatic livestock (aquaculture) industries, by addressing key issues relevant to farmed aquatic animal health, well-being, seafood safety, public health and environmental concerns.

AQ1 Support for Aquatic Livestock Initiatives

BACKGROUND: The lack of a national aquaculture plan, with committed resources, has led to a

fragmented industry that is often at odds with itself when competing for funds, markets or political

support. Global shifts in production and demand have combined with this domestic environment to

create a seafood security crisis in the US. The growing seafood demand has created a 2011 trade deficit

of $11.2B. The deficit will only increase as the US ranks second in the world in seafood consumption but

represents only 0.8% of global aquaculture production n. With wild-catch fisheries harvest capped,

domestic aquatic livestock production must increase to reverse the trade deficit and provide a safe and

secure source of seafood.

RESOLUTION: National Institute for Animal Agriculture, in conjunction with the National Roundtable for

Sustainable Aquaculture (NRSA), will seek funding in 2016 for a data security, collection and

management process for US aquaculture, supporting CAHPS, the KPI development process, and other

complimentary programs. The NRSA will coordinate collaboration between the wild-catch and aquatic

livestock industries, leverage food system linkages, and continue to discuss the national aquaculture

plan issue(s). Special attempts will be made to bring on board aquaculture/seafood sectors which have

not traditionally been engaged, such as distribution, consumption and recycling.

Adopted: 2014 | Amended: 2015 | Amended: 2016

AQ2 Establishment of Environmental Sustainability Benchmarks

BACKGROUND: National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) and National Roundtable for Sustainable

Aquaculture (NRSA) have completed the Definition Stage of the Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

development cycle which is outlined below.

1. Define

A. Define Sustainability for the Enterprise

B. Identify Sustainability Performance Indicators

C. Select Metrics for PIs

2. Plan

A. Benchmark SPI Metrics

B. Set Goals for Each SPI

C. Develop Strategy to Meet Goals

3. Implement


A. Implement the Strategy

B. Measure, Assess and Report Results

C. Adapt Strategy to Improve Outcomes

The next step is to establish benchmarks for the environmental KPI. Taking a regional approach will

facilitate benchmarking because of similar conditions for electricity, water, weather etc.

RESOLUTION: In 2017, NIAA, with National Roundtable for Sustainable Aquaculture (NRSA), will support

a regional effort to establish environmental sustainability benchmarks in the aquaculture industry by

facilitating industry collaboration, outreach and data collection. These benchmarks will support

continuous improvement efforts across the US aquaculture industry, and support sustainability

messaging throughout the US aquaculture supply chain.

Adopted: 2017

Bovine Committee Mission: To bring the dairy cattle and beef cattle industries together for implementation and development of programs that assure the health and welfare of our cattle and the sustainability of our dairy and beef industries. BOV1 Support for Brucellosis Surveillance Funding

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports core funding for the United States

Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Brucellosis budget request. Core

funding should be designated to absorb and continue to allocate funds and resources now appropriated

under brucellosis in order to maintain and strengthen an adequately validated, comprehensive

surveillance activity. This includes uniform identification system and assures depopulation funding

necessary to continue the brucellosis eradication effort on an emergency basis for a period of at least

five years after free status is achieved.


BOV2 Recommended Actions Needed to Eliminate Brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA)

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges that actions be taken employing the

principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) to eliminate brucellosis in bison and elk

in the GYA including:

i. The Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee made up of representatives of state

and federal agencies; any committee recommendation should be scientifically sound and

defensible by accepted principles of veterinary epidemiology and pathogenesis of brucellosis in

ruminants;


ii. Gathering, sharing and analysis of current information, both published and unpublished,

regarding comparative microbiology, immunology and epidemiology of brucellosis in wild and

domestic ruminants;

iii. Using all current technologies for brucellosis control and elimination to begin implementation

immediately of a scientifically sound program oriented toward elimination of brucellosis from

herds of bison and elk in the GYA;

iv. Prevention of removal of bison from national parks in GYA, except direct to slaughter, approved

research facility, or through quarantine facilities and testing protocols developed by the United

States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Veterinary

Services, to insure that the animals are disease free, and in no way compromise the progress

made toward complete elimination of brucellosis from the United States.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2002 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2005 |Reaffirmed: 2010 | Reaffirmed:

2015

BOV3 Brucella Vaccine Use in Final Eradication Phase

BACKGROUND: The appropriate use of brucella vaccines varies widely from area to area depending upon

risk factors, regional preference, and the stage of the eradication program.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the following three-point policy on

brucellosis vaccination be adopted by the United States Department of Agriculture.

1. Educate herd owners and veterinary practitioners regarding vaccination so their decisions on its

use will reflect the advantages, disadvantages, and appropriateness in the herd under

consideration.

2. Limit federal funding for the purchase and application of brucella vaccine to infected or

designated high-risk herds.

3. Emphasize the importance of proper vaccination procedures that consider age, dosage,

identification and reporting requirements.


BOV4 Brucellosis Elimination in Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA)

BACKGROUND: The policy of natural regulation by the Department of Interior and the National Park

Service, in Yellowstone National Park, has led to environmental degradation of the park with the

consequential problems of loss of species (both plant and animal), progression toward desertification,

brucellosis exacerbation, and overpopulation with large ungulates (bison and elk) resulting in annual

starvation of hundreds of animals.

The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service has agreed in principle to population

control, but implementation of such measures has not occurred because of abuses of the National

Environmental Policy Act. Efforts by state animal health and fish and game officials and the United

States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis


Committee, to develop and implement effective brucellosis control and elimination efforts in

Yellowstone National Park and the GYA have been stymied by the policy of natural regulation.

The feeding of bison and elk, by the Department of Interior, on the National Elk Refuge has resulted in

an artificially high population of bison and elk and a high sero-prevelance of brucellosis in Grand Teton

National Park bison and elk populations.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) opposes the acquisition of additional

lands for wildlife, and strongly urges the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to

continue to remain involved in active management of animal and plant species in Yellowstone National

Park, Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge to protect the environment, prevent

overpopulation within the existing park boundaries, and control diseases including brucellosis.

NIAA strongly urges continued cooperation between the USDA and the Department of Interior to

develop and implement strategies and plans to contain and eliminate brucellosis from the susceptible

animal populations under its control in the GYA and all national park lands in the U.S.

NIAA urges all members and member organizations to communicate to the President of the U.S. and the

Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture the urgency for actions that will protect our national treasures of

Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge from environmental

degradation, wildlife disease and starvation in the GYA.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2002 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2005 | Reaffirmed:

2010 | Reaffirmed: 2015

BOV5 Free Ranging Species Research

BACKGROUND: There has been a marked lack of funding for researching methods to prevent, control,

manage and eliminate disease processes in free ranging species occurring as a result of natural exposure

and/or introduction by a bioterrorist.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports allocation of additional funds and

resources to the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

and other cooperating governmental entities necessary to develop effective procedures and products

for use in brucellosis elimination from elk, bison, feral/wild swine populations and reindeer.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

BOV6 Johne’s Disease Uniform Programs Standards

BACKGROUND: Johne’s disease is a chronic, progressive intestinal disease caused by an infection with

Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. It is an insidious wasting away disease affecting

cattle and other livestock species. Knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, treatment

and control is increasing. Johne’s disease adversely affects the intrastate and interstate movement of

cattle and the international export market, causing an excess of $1 billion annually in lost revenue to our

livestock industry.


RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports the United States

Department of Agriculture Uniform Program Standards for the Voluntary Bovine Johne’s Disease Control

Program and recognizes the contributions of the National Johne’s Working Group, a subcommittee of

the United States Animal Health Association Johne’s Committee, in developing the various program

elements, procedures and infrastructure necessary to support implementation of the Uniform Program

Standards.

NIAA encourages each state to implement a voluntary program of Johne’s disease control based on the

Uniform Program Standards and encourages producers and veterinarians to implement recommended

best management practices to reduce the incidence of Johne’s disease in U.S. cattle herds.

NIAA continues to support annual program funding to United States Department of Agriculture/

Agricultural Research Service and Johne’s Disease Integrated Program.


2005 |Amended: 2010 | Reaffirmed: 2015

BOV7 Support for National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Livestock Surveys

BACKGROUND: The health of livestock in the United States is of prime importance to the National

Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA). Qualification of health and management of animal agriculture is

critically needed with the help of producer groups and government.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA supports the development of NAHMS surveys, special projects, and surveillance

programs and their successful completion, proper evaluation, and dissemination of results.


BOV8 Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD) Education, Testing and Vaccination

BACKGROUND: Newly recognized variants of BVD virus have the potential of creating high morbidity and

mortality in naive herds or improperly vaccinated herds. BVD persistently infected cattle are the main

source of infection. New tools are available to determine if cattle are persistently infected with BVD

virus.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages the education of veterinarians

and producers on BVD disease, the proper use of BVD vaccines in the prevention of disease and the

adoption of testing procedures to identify persistently infected carriers. Cattle identified as BVD-PI

(persistently infected) animals should not be marketed in any manner that exposes at-risk-cattle.


2014

BOV9 Biosecurity/Biocontainment Education

BACKGROUND: The control of infectious and contagious diseases in livestock populations is critical to

production efficiency and product quality. Biosecurity and biocontainment strategies employ multiple


approaches based on the ecology of infectious disease agents on livestock premises to reduce the risk of

disease agent entry or spread.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports the development and

implementation of educational programs for livestock producers and veterinarians on biosecurity and

biocontainment.


BOV10 Preventing Exotic Ticks and Hemoparasitic Disease Establishment in the United States (U.S.)

BACKGROUND: There is an increased risk of the introduction and establishment of exotic animal pests

and diseases as a result of the changing dynamics of animal movements and transmission of

hemoparasitic diseases. A particular focus on the risks associated with the Mexican and Caribbean

Region is required. There are reports that ticks are developing resistance to commonly used ascaricides.

Therefore, actions to prevent the establishment of exotic ticks that infest livestock and other animals

including wildlife in the U.S. are a continuous task. Such action requires vigilance, diligence and

singleness of focus from scientific, animal (domestic and wild) and regulatory communities.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) urges the U.S. Department of

Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) to enter into a joint effort with

state animal health officials, animal industries and wildlife interests to define and support a core

organization or commission to facilitate the acquisition and allocation of continual funding for

preventing the establishment of exotic animal pests and hemoparasitic diseases in the U.S. NIAA

recognizes and supports the U.S.-Mexico Bi-National Fever Tick Committee to combat ticks in the U.S.

and Mexico.


BOV11 Use of Bovine Blood

BACKGROUND: Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a chronic, degenerative disorder affecting

the nervous system of cattle. It is associated with consumption of animal proteins contaminated with

Specific Risk Materials (SRM) containing the infective agent.

Fifteen years of scientific research have demonstrated no detectable BSE agent in bovine blood and no

transmission of BSE from cow to cow through blood. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

does not classify bovine blood as an SRM for animal health.

Plasma, serum and fractions thereof contain biologically important components, including

immunoglobulins, which may be used in colostrum supplements, colostrum replacers and feed

supplements to reduce risk of transmission of Johne’s disease, brucellosis and other economically

important diseases transmitted via colostrum.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture, based on current science, encourages the

Food and Drug Administration to retain the current bovine blood and blood products exemption to the


ruminant feed ban, including plasma, serum and fractions thereof for diets used in ruminants and non-

ruminants.


BOV12 Managing the Risk of Brucellosis Transmission from Bison and Elk to Cattle in the Greater

Yellowstone Area (GYA)

BACKGROUND: Wild bison and elk in the GYA are known to be infected with Brucella abortus. In

addition, transmission of brucellosis from infected bison and elk to cattle has been well documented.

Whenever infected elk or bison are in close contact with cattle or share common landscapes, the

potential for transmission exists.

RESOLUTION: Until such time as Brucella abortus has been eliminated from the bison and elk

populations from the GYA, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) strongly supports all

efforts to reduce the commingling of wild elk or bison with cattle in the GYA whenever possible through

temporal and spatial separation. Further, when commingling cannot be avoided, the NIAA strongly

supports quarantine of the exposed cattle herd until herd testing or epidemiological investigation

indicates the herd presents no evidence of brucellosis infection.

Adopted: 2006 | Reaffirmed: 2011 | Reaffirmed: 2016

Emerging Diseases Council Mission: Stay abreast of emerging animal diseases and educate the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) membership about them. Create resolutions and position statements regarding emerging animal disease issues, which are aimed at benefiting animal health and United States (U.S.) animal agriculture.

ED1 Veterinary Education and Accreditation

BACKGROUND: Globalization of the economy and current mechanisms of agribusiness put the United

States (U.S.) at an ever-increasing risk of a devastating animal disease outbreak. Veterinary colleges and

schools are not graduating enough veterinarians to fill the U.S. needs in rural practice, food supply

veterinarians and public practice veterinarians. Veterinary colleges and schools and departments of

veterinary science also need to prepare more graduates for participation in national response plans.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) encourages and supports an increased

effort by the colleges and schools of veterinary medicine in the expanded education of veterinary

students, faculty and practitioners to prepare them for global issues in animal and public health,

including foreign animal, zoonotic and emerging diseases.

Specifically:


NIAA asks U.S. colleges and schools of veterinary medicine to develop or enhance programs that

prepare graduates for global issues in veterinary medicine and national response plans for foreign

animal or emerging diseases.

NIAA asks the U.S. colleges and schools of veterinary medicine to develop or enhance programs to

recruit and admit more students whose intent is to engage in rural practice, food supply veterinary

medicine or public practice.

NIAA asks AVMA and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, to continue to develop

programs to mentor students and new graduates to assist in retaining students and veterinarians in

these important career tracks.

NIAA supports all efforts on the part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue to expand

linkages with veterinary colleges including education of veterinary students and faculty and participation

in the national animal health emergency response plan.

Adopted: 2001 | Amended: 2005 | Reaffirmed: 2010 | Amended: 2013 | Amended: 2015

ED2 National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN)

BACKGROUND: United States (U.S.) animal disease and surveillance would function most effectively as a

shared responsibility of publicly funded state animal health laboratories, represented by the American

Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and federal animal health laboratories

administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

(USDA/APHIS). The basic infrastructure of a national laboratory network would provide critical features

including:

A secure communication, reporting and alert system

Standardized, rapid diagnostic techniques that can be used at the state, regional and national level

Modernized equipment and experienced personnel trained in the detection of emergent, foreign and

bioterrorist agents

A national training, proficiency testing and quality assurance system to ensure that all laboratories in the

system meet quality standards

Federal and state facility upgrades to meet biocontainment requirements

Periodic scenario testing of the network and the associated response network

In 2002, the USDA established a pilot NAHLN that included twelve state labs. In 2004, the USDA

announced the expansion of the NAHLN to include all labs that currently have a diagnostic testing

contract with the USDA. This includes labs testing for prion diseases, exotic Newcastle Disease, and

Avian Influenza and represents a major expansion of the NAHLN.

In 2012, a concept paper that described a new structure for NAHLN and provided criteria for each level

of laboratory, as well as new processes such as periodic review of the levels was developed. This new


NAHLN structure preserves the oversight, leadership, administration, and roles and responsibilities for

the Network, while giving the NAHLN added flexibility to respond to national animal health testing

needs, as well as clarifying the roles and responsibilities of network members. The number of

laboratories in each level was not explicitly defined, except for reference to meeting the national ‘need’,

as determined based on geographic distribution, population density of animals, farm gate values, risk of

FAD introductions, etc. In 2014, a transition plan for the restructured network was outlined by the

NAHLN Coordinating Council. The restructure was implemented in 2016.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports the ongoing development of

a state and federal partnership to safeguard animal health through the NAHLN. This partnership

provides an enhanced, coordinated, and modernized NAHLN. The NIAA encourages ongoing support

and continued budget enhancements relative to the NAHLN through USDA.


2011| Amended: 2016

ED3 Funding for Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) and BSL3 Ag Infrastructure at University and State

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories

BACKGROUND: There is inadequate BSL3 infrastructure in the current state veterinary diagnostic

laboratory system. These facilities are necessary to safely receive and conduct testing for zoonotic,

exotic and emerging diseases. BSL3 facilities are also necessary to assure proper containment and

disposal of contaminated waste generated by diagnostic labs. Such facilities would also assure the

public that these diseases are being safely contained.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages federal and state agencies

including the United States Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Environmental

Protection Agency, and Department of Homeland Security to provide funds to construct and/or remodel

essential containment and disposal facilities, including BSL3 and BSL3 Ag, in American Association of

Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratories in the United States.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2005 | Reaffirmed: 2010 | Reaffirmed: 2015 | Amended: 2016

ED4 Training Veterinarians for Public Practice

BACKGROUND: Veterinarians play a vital role in preserving our country’s public health by protecting

humans from diseases spread by animals (Zoonoses), ensuring the safety of our food, ensuring our

national emergency preparedness, and advancing biomedical research. The number of veterinarians

available to serve society in these key roles does not meet demand, and a recent study projects this

shortage to worsen by 4% annually for the next ten years.

There are 28 United States (U.S.) Colleges of Veterinary Medicine graduating over 2,500 new

veterinarians each year. All of the colleges are at full capacity. Only 27 states directly support veterinary

medicine infrastructure development and operations. There are minimal to no federal dollars that have

been obtained or identified since the 1970’s to meet these national needs for our growing US


population. The uneven distribution of veterinarians working in Food Animal Medicine/Food Safety

public health positions, combined with the lack of capacity within the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine

poses a threat to our national security.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the Association of American

Veterinary Medical Colleges and the American Veterinary Medical Association in their major federal

funding initiatives to build teaching and research infrastructure and to provide ongoing support for

faculty and programs dedicated to increasing human resource capacity in veterinary public practice.

Adopted: 2004 | Amended: 2005 | Amended: 2007 | Amended: 2008 | Amended: 2013

ED5 Movement of Animals Without Health Papers

BACKGROUND: Several high-risk diseases have been introduced to new populations through the

unauthorized or authorized movement of animals without knowledge of their health status. This

especially involves animals such as wildlife, exotic park and zoo animals, and pets or domestic animals

that are exhibited, traded, swapped or sold through nontraditional markets, dealers or auctions. For

example, wildlife has been translocated for restocking or nuisance purposes without regard to existing

laws or without violation simply because no appropriate regulations had been developed.

Recent examples of diseases caused by unrestricted or unregulated movement are Severe Acute

Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), raccoon and coyote (dog strain) rabies, Echinococcus multilocularis

(Alveolar Hydatid Disease) in foxes, monkeypox in prairie dogs, brucellosis and pseudorabies in feral

swine, and Exotic Newcastle Disease in fighting cocks and exhibit birds.

Laws for domestic livestock, zoological associations, and exotic species should be harmoniously

developed and require Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs) that summarize required test results,

provide unique identification, and other pertinent information such as owner, origin and destination.

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports monitoring all commercial/translocation

interstate animal movements by the development of harmonized regulations for those species that are

not under existing laws – especially targeting species that have been known to transmit diseases to

animal agriculture and humans. Such regulations would be similar to those currently in existence for the

common domestic species and would require these additional species also be officially examined for

health status by an accredited veterinarian, be uniquely identified, and be appropriately tested for

pertinent diseases. Dated CVIs would be required to travel with the animals, as is common with other

domestic species. Regulations should establish rules for restricted movement for animals found to

harbor diseases that affect other animals and/or pose a human health risk.

The ultimate goal of disease containment will be achieved through a combination of education,

development of appropriate regulations, enforcement of existing regulations by local, state and federal

agencies and collaboration of local, state, federal and non-governmental agencies that deal with these

species.


RESOLUTION: The NIAA encourages the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service/Veterinary Services (USDA/APHIS/VS) to collaborate with state partners to

implement a monitoring system for all commercial/translocation interstate animal movements by the

development of harmonized regulations for those species that are not under existing laws – especially

targeting species that have been known to transmit diseases to animal agriculture and humans.

Adopted: 2005 | Amended: 2006 | Amended: 2011| Reaffirmed: 2016

ED6 Support for Fever Tick Eradication Program

BACKGROUND: Recent marked increases in the introduction of fever ticks from the permanent

quarantine zone into the free zone in Texas is evidence that the need for more support and funding of

the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Fever Tick Eradication Program is paramount.

Additionally, there has been recent identification of the escalation of ascaracide-resistant ticks coming

out of Mexico and continued evidence of the role of white-tailed deer and exotic ungulates in the

spread of fever ticks within and outside of the quarantine zone. All of these factors increase the risk of

transmission of bovine babesiosis from Mexico to the domestic U.S. cattle population with the result of

high death loss and a negative impact on the cattle industry.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture recommends a thorough review of the fever

tick control program including funding, surveillance, education, research and bi-national cooperation for

control programs with Mexico.


ED7 National Reportable Disease Database

BACKGROUND: Currently, reportable disease lists vary widely among states. Also, it is not uncommon

for animal producers to utilize diagnostic testing services from several different public and private

veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Veterinary diagnostic laboratories attempt to report required

diagnostic findings according to the state rules of where the animals are located; however, such

information is not always readily available or up to date. A national database with such information

would be a first step in solving this issue that affects state veterinarians and veterinary diagnostic

laboratories. Such a database could also facilitate harmonization of reportable rules, streamlining of the

reporting process, and increase accuracy of reporting diseases to state veterinarians.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) requests that the National Assembly

of State Animal Health Officials work with USDA to establish and maintain in real-time a national

database containing “reportable disease requirements” for each state. Such a list would be utilized by

public and private veterinary diagnostic laboratories for official report notification to state veterinarians,

per individual state requirements according to where the animals are located.

Adopted: 2007 | Amended: 2011| Amended: 2016


ED8 Support for PEDv Control, Research and Funding

BACKGROUND: Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) was first diagnosed in the United States in May

2013. The disease causes acute diarrhea and exhibits a very high mortality in affected herds, especially

in suckling pigs. PEDv is not a new disease, occurs worldwide, and is reportable in the US. The disease

has impacted a variety of sizes and production types, spreading to swine operations in over half of the

states in the US within the first year of diagnosis. While much is unknown regarding the transmission

and epidemiology of the disease, current knowledge has indicated that prevention through a variety of

biosecurity measures is needed.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages coordinated federal, state,

industry, and producer efforts towards the recognition, prevention, and control of Porcine Epidemic

Diarrhea virus. Furthermore, the NIAA encourages increased federal funding for research pertaining to

the diagnosis, surveillance, epidemiology, transmission, prevention, and control of the disease.


ED9 United States Department of Agriculture / National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA/

NIFA) Emerging Disease Appropriations

BACKGROUND: Congress has routinely appropriated funds specifically for animal health and emerging

animal diseases through the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA, formerly CSREES) and

Section 1433 Animal Health Research Formula Funds. In addition, the 2014 “Farm Bill” provides support

for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The “Farm Bill” also established the

Foundation for Food and Agriculture (FFAR), which leads a cost-shared program, Rapid Outcomes in

Agricultural Research (ROAR). This program also focuses on emerging and unanticipated plant or animal

disease or pest issues.

Recent incursions of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and highly pathogenic avian influenza along with

international circulation of other pathogens of high consequence to animal agriculture are reminders of

the importance of maintaining this funding for veterinary research, veterinary laboratory capacity, and

integrated research and outreach. Congressmen in the House and Senate need to hear from their

stakeholders about the importance of these lines.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) joins with other stakeholders to

support continued funding for emerging animal disease research, diagnostic capacity, and outreach.

NIAA supports having both formula and emergency funding mechanisms. Accordingly, NIAA urges that

funding continue for NIFA, Section 1433, and FFAR with automatic annual increases to account for

inflation.

Adopted: 2017

ED10 Animal Disease and Disaster Preparedness Program

BACKGROUND: New, emerging, and foreign or transboundary animal diseases and pests continue to

threaten animal agriculture in the United States. Recent incursions of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus,


highly pathogenic avian influenza, and New World screwworm are reminders of the need to be

prepared. Preparedness involves ensuring we have a sound border inspection program, strengthening

surveillance systems, developing technologies and tools to enhance detection and response, enhancing

the development and stockpiling of countermeasures including vaccines, and incentivizing biosecurity

throughout livestock and poultry production chains. As discussions for the 2018 Farm Bill get underway,

it is important for animal agriculture stakeholders to communicate the importance of such efforts.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) joins with other stakeholders to

support the inclusion of an Animal Disease Disaster Preparedness Program. The National Animal Health

Laboratory Network, the Extension Disaster Education Network, vaccine banks, and rapid response

funding (through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Foundation for Food and

Agricultural Research) are existing programs that should be prioritized for continued or enhanced

support.

Adopted: 2017

Equine Committee Mission: To address key equine health issues relevant to the economic well-being of the United States equine industry.

EQ1 Formal Implementation of Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) Guidelines

BACKGROUND: In an effort to address EVA and its impact on the equine industry, we encourage the

control and prevention of this disease through adherence to a standard protocol that has been

developed through the joint efforts of the horse industry, the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) and United States Animal Health Association.

It would be to the benefit of the industry to develop an approach to control EVA that would be

applicable to both domestic and international stallions and semen. This has to be accomplished through

the joint efforts of the states, USDA and the industry.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute of Animal Agriculture encourages the horse industry, USDA/Animal

and Plant Health Inspection Service and the states to pursue formal implementation of the Uniform

Methods and Rules for EVA and pursue whatever action is needed to formulate and implement a post

entry testing program for stallions and semen.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Reaffirmed: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2012 | Reaffirmed: 2015

EQ2 Facilitate International Movement of Equine

BACKGROUND: At the present time we have limited knowledge of the disease status or veterinary

infrastructure of member countries of the OIE. Prior to reaching agreement on equine movement to the

United States (U.S.) from the import/export countries, it is critical that these elements be assessed.


RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture strongly urges that the U.S. Department of

Agriculture in its ongoing negotiations with the import/export countries to consider and solicit industry

feedback on any current post entry, quarantine and testing requirements that would increase the risk of

introduction of various equine diseases.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2006 |Reaffirmed: 2011 | Reaffirmed: 2012 | Amended:

2016

EQ3 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) Control

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports current federal/state initiatives to

enhance the control of EIA and encourages uniformity in interstate movement regulations for EIA. NIAA

encourages a current test for EIA when there is a change of equine ownership.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2006 | Reaffirmed: 2011 | Amended: 2013

EQ4 National Forum on Selected Equine Infectious Diseases with Federal/State Regulatory

Implications

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) understands the current economic

limitations and budgetary restraints of industry, state, and federal entities; however, NIAA strongly

supports a national equine meeting to be held when considered appropriate. The American Horse

Council, American Veterinary Medical Association, American Association Equine Practitioners, NIAA and

the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services/Veterinary

Services should address domestic and international issues surrounding selected equine infectious

diseases with federal/state regulatory implications, including but not limited to Equine Herpes Virus

Neurological Disease, Equine Viral Arteritis, Equine Infectious Anemia and Piroplasmosis. The Equine

Committee suggests that NIAA co-host the 2017 Equine Identification Forum with USAHA.

Adopted: 2005 | Amended: 2006 | Amended: 2007 |Amended: 2012 | Amended: 2016

EQ5 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Requirement for Imported Horses

BACKGROUND: With increased global livestock movement the disease risk is greater to the United

States (U.S.) horse population. Horse diseases considered high risk include, but are not exclusive to,

Equine Piroplasmosis, Contagious Equine Metritis, Dourine, Glanders, Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA),

African Horse Sickness, Equine Viral Arteritis and Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis.

Eradication efforts in the early 1900’s eliminated the presence of diseases such as Dourine and Glanders

in the U.S. To protect the U.S. horse population, required importation testing and quarantine were

implemented to minimize potential disease introduction into the U.S. Through national disease control

programs, testing of both domestic and imported animals have limited the spread of diseases such as

EIA. Horses being imported to the U.S. represent a risk of importation of various diseases, and

traceability of these animals is a critical element in the protection of the U.S. horse population.


A lack of a reliable and traceable permanent identification system for horses imported into the U.S.

makes it difficult to conduct traceback of animals that are potentially positive for or exposed to an

infectious disease. There is an immediate need to establish a standard method of permanent

identification and traceability for all horses imported into the U.S.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the establishment of a requirement

by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture that

all horses imported into, or returning to the United States, be identified with RFID microchips that

comply with the International Organization for Standardization ISO 11784 and 11785 standards (134.2

kHz). Universal RFID readers would be present at all import centers and border stations to read both

125 and 134.2 kHz microchips. This RFID number would be recorded on the animal’s import documents

and captured in a searchable database accessible to state animal health officials during a disease

investigation.

Adopted: 2007 | Reaffirmed: 2012 | Amended: 2015

EQ6 The National Equine Health Plan and the Equine Disease Communication Center is important

to the health, welfare and economic viability of the U.S. equine industry.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of contagious diseases such as Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) at equine

events with high number of attendees has prompted the American Association of Equine Practitioners

(AAEP) and the American Horse Council (AHC) to acknowledge the need for a National Equine Health

Plan (NEHP) and Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) in order to facilitate in the education and

optimal dissemination of information amongst the equine community in a timely manner.

The NEHP will focus on the role of industry, state and federal animal health officials and tribal leaders in

protecting the health and welfare of the horse, facilitation in equine movement and ensuring the

diagnostic, inspection, and certification services through an electronic identification database to protect

the economic viability of the equine industry.

Contained within the NEHP is the EDCC which will provide accurate information about disease outbreaks

in a timely fashion, information about diseases for those involved in the equine industry and other

information used for proper health and welfare practices.

The United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), AAEP and AHC have all passed resolutions

supporting the development of the NEHP including the EDCC.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports the establishment of a

National Equine Health Plan and an Equine Disease Communication Center in order to protect the

health, welfare and economic viability of the U.S. equine industry.



EQ7 Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and Equine Piroplasmosis (EP) Testing Requirements

BACKGROUND: Racing Quarter Horses have been identified as a high-risk population of horses which

pose a significant risk to the health of the national equine population. Since 2009, there have been 268

racing Quarter Horses confirmed positive for equine piroplasmosis (EP), with 56 of the 268 confirmed

since October of 2015. The 56 positive horses were located all across the country including in the states

of Arkansas (2), Arizona (3), California (1), Illinois (1), New Mexico (1), North Carolina (1), Tennessee

(19), Texas (10) and Wyoming (14). Additionally, since 2012, at least 59 racing Quarter Horses have been

confirmed positive for equine infectious anemia in states of California (39), Texas (5), Washington (10),

Oregon (4), and Oklahoma (1). Epidemiologic investigations into these cases have indicated iatrogenic

transmission of disease through high risk practices of trainers and owners. The failure to promptly

identify positive animals poses a significant risk to the United States (U.S.) equine population as the

retired racing Quarter Horses travel across the U.S. to be used as pleasure horses, roping or rodeo

horses, barrel horses, show horses or ranch horses. Of concern regarding equine piroplasmosis, the U.S.

free status is at risk if identification and control measures are not implemented. Although it is

acknowledged that imposing testing requirements on racing Quarter Horses prior to entry into a racing

venue will impose an increased owner expense, the threat of the loss of US free status for EP, and the

threat of allowing permanent establishment of a new disease into the US horse industry poses an even

greater economic risk to the U.S. equine industries.

RESOLUTION: National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges state animal health officials and Quarter

Horse racing jurisdictions to impose equine infectious anemia (EIA) and equine piroplasmosis (EP)

testing requirements for Quarter Horses entering a racing venue. Test samples should be correlated to

permanent identification of the horse being tested; and that identification indicated on the test chart.

Additionally, NIAA urges the American Quarter Horse Association to encourage the EIA and EP testing of

racing Quarter Horses and assist in the education of the racing Quarter Horse owners and trainers as to

the risks of the diseases. Lastly, the NIAA urges the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and

Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services to continue to compile national epidemiologic EIA

and EP data for the high-risk group of horses and provide outreach information to states and industry

regarding this issue.

Adopted: 2017

Global Animal Health, Food Security

& Trade Council Mission: Identify current challenges to or problems with national and international trade by cross-disciplinary discussion between government, academia, and industry and recommend solutions or suggestions for enhancement through the novel application of information, communication, and technology.


To enhance and assure the wholesomeness of products derived from livestock and to encourage research to identify, develop and implement management strategies to avoid and eliminate contamination from products derived by livestock.

GAHFST1 Zoning and Compartmentalization Cooperative Guidelines

BACKGROUND: The United States (U.S.) needs additional capabilities to implement zoning and

compartmentalization relevant to disease status. Should we have a foreign animal disease and/or

emerging disease, it would be critical to the economic survival of our livestock and poultry industries to

prove we had the disease contained to a specific zone, and just as important, that the remaining zones

of the U.S. were free of the particular disease and not at risk for international trade restrictions.

Compartmentalization as defined by OIE.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages the U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Industry stakeholders, and the states to cooperatively develop adaptable zoning and

compartmentalization guidelines for a foreign or emerging animal disease incident in the United States

that are acceptable to our trading partners.


2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014 | Amended: 2016

GAHFST2 National Animal Health Reporting System (NAHRS)

BACKGROUND: A credible NAHRS is increasingly essential for maintaining and expanding trade in

livestock and associated products in the global marketplace.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports and encourages the United States

Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) to strengthen the

participation of all states in NAHRS. NAHRS should continue to present the national status of the

country’s livestock health status without naming infected states or farms, benefiting all states and

industries needing USDA support for livestock disease control or endorsement of international health

certifications.

Adopted: 2002 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2005| Reaffirmed: 2010 | Reaffirmed: 2015

GAHFST3 Importance of the Eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in South America

BACKGROUND: The eradication of FMD in South America is an important goal in safeguarding animal

health in the United States (U.S.).

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages the U.S. Department of

Agriculture, in partnership with the private sector, to continue to collaborate with U.S. agencies,

international organizations and other groups to support, coordinate and enhance the Inter-American

Group for the Eradication of Foot and Mouth Disease (GIEFA) hemispheric plan for FMD eradication.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2006 | Amended: 2007 | Reaffirmed: 2012 | Reaffirmed:

2017


GAHFST4 Safe Supply of Affordable Food Everywhere (SSAFE)

BACKGROUND: The global food system is vitally important, not only in feeding the world’s growing

population, but also in sustaining the economies of developed and developing nations alike. Recent

events, such as Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, Foot-and-Mouth Disease and Avian Influenza, have

highlighted the vulnerability of the global food supply chain and the apparent misalignment of its

regulatory, academic and food system stakeholders. It is clear that the safety of the global food supply

chain can be compromised not only by disease, but also by accidents, natural disasters or terrorist

action.

A consortium involving food system companies, academic centers and non-governmental organizations

recently formed the SSAFE initiative in collaboration with intergovernmental agencies. The vision of

SSAFE is focused on protecting animal and public health through global implementation of science-

based standards, ensuring an uninterrupted sustainable global supply chain of affordable safe food

products to and from all countries and to help developing nations strengthen their infrastructures to

feed their population, increase stability, promote economic growth and stimulate education. The role of

SSAFE is to advise intergovernmental organizations, provide a safe harbor for discussion among global

stakeholders, facilitate and enable strengthening of the global food system and to leverage resources

through Public-Private Partnerships for collective action.

SSAFE is entering into Memorandum of Understandings with the World Organization for Animal Health

(OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization and is engaged in ongoing dialogue with the World

Health Organization and the World Bank among other institutions, including national government

agencies. The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) can support the SSAFE initiative, without

financial commitments, through acknowledgement of the critical importance of the SSAFE initiative as

outlined in the above vision and mission.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA supports the SSAFE initiative to strengthen the global food system through

public-private partnerships. SSAFE is currently focused on veterinary public health capacity building in

developing countries. NIAA urges its members and member organizations to cooperate in this endeavor

where appropriate.


GAHFST5 Animal Welfare Research

BACKGROUND: Scientific research on animal welfare is needed in North America to help guide the

establishment of animal welfare standards as they are being adopted by the World Organization for

Animal Health (OIE), private entities, associations and national governments. Because much of the

current animal welfare research is being conducted in Europe, North American animal agriculture runs

the risk of in the future having to follow standards developed under conditions not found in North

America. Research based on North American food production systems are helping and will continue to

ensure the establishment of more balanced animal welfare standards in the future.


RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the need for an expansion of

animal welfare/care/well-being research conducted on North American animal production systems. The

NIAA encourages the United States Department of Agriculture and private industry to provide additional

resources for the funding of peer-reviewed animal welfare/care/well-being research.

Adopted: 2008 | Amended: 2013 | Amended: 2016

GAHFST6 Farm-to-Fork Food Safety

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the continued implementation of

risk analysis, quality assurance and best management principles from “farm to fork”. These concepts

should be applied to all food production systems.


2015

GAHFST7 National On-farm Food Safety Policies and Programs

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) believes that food safety requires a

cooperative interdisciplinary approach. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state

animal and public health agencies have existing infrastructures capable of supporting investigations,

research, studies and education concerning food safety issues.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA urges Health and Human Services, USDA, Department of Defense,

Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Homeland

Security to sustain and build food safety cooperative initiatives, to maintain, support and utilize the

veterinary infrastructure existing within USDA and state animal and public health agencies, and to

further enhance partnerships with producers, academia and private sector.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2001 | Amended: 2003 |Amended: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014 | Amended:

2016

GAHFST8 Availability of New Antimicrobials for Farm Animals

BACKGROUND: Prudent and judicious therapeutic antimicrobial use within a veterinarian-client-patient

relationship, with strict observance of withdrawal times, is essential to support the health and welfare

of United States livestock populations, including minor species, and delivery of a safe, wholesome,

affordable food supply.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) encourages the Food and Drug

Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine (FDA-CVM) to approve new antimicrobial drugs with

guidelines to assure prudent therapeutic use of antimicrobials in food animals. NIAA encourages the

objective prospective monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and public health medicine.

Furthermore, the FDA-CVM must base any new or additional restrictions or prohibitions of currently

approved or new antimicrobials on sound peer-reviewed scientific evidence and risk assessment

developed in an open public process demonstrating a significant impact on public health. The public


and private sector should continue to promote educational programs for agriculture producers and the

veterinary profession to assure prudent and judicious use of antimicrobial agents.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2002 | Amended: 2003 | Reaffirmed: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

GAHFST9 Direct Funding for Food System Emergency Preparedness

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports Homeland Security

Presidential Directives #7 and #9, which direct coordination for homeland security among federal

agencies and recognize food and agriculture as a critical infrastructure.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA urges Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security

(DHS), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a more streamlined direct

funding structure for the entire food system including production agriculture to implement risk

assessment, risk management, education and training programs at the local and state level with

integration of emergency management preparedness and response with industry.


GAHFST10 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)

BACKGROUND: The economic well-being of American agriculture depends on maintaining strong export

markets and creating new market access opportunities. Export markets are in large part the result of

trade agreements negotiated over the past two decades. Since 1989, when the U.S. began using

bilateral and regional trade agreements to open foreign markets, U.S. agricultural exports have nearly

quadrupled in value and are now a record $150.5 billion. During that period, earnings from U.S.

agricultural exports as a share of cash receipts to farmers have grown from 22% to 35%.

Farm and food exports have a positive multiplier effect throughout the U.S. economy. According to

USTR, every $1 in U.S. farm exports stimulates an additional $1.22 in business activity. Off-farm

activities and services include purchases by farmers of fuel, fertilizer, seed and other inputs and post-

production processing, packaging, storing, transporting and marketing the products we ship overseas.

Exports of $150.5 billion in FY 2014 therefore generated another $184 billion in economic activity in the

U.S. bringing the total economic benefit to the economy to $334 billion. This economic activity creates

jobs. Every $1 billion of U.S. agricultural exports requires the full-time work of approximately 7,580

Americans throughout the economy. Exports in 2014 therefore supported over one million full-time

jobs, more than half of these have been created in the past ten years.

Each and every one of the trade agreements that made these remarkable achievements possible were

themselves made possible by the enactment of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation. TPA gave

U.S. negotiators the ability to extract the best deals possible from other countries. Without it, no

country will be willing to make the toughest concessions to us if they fear that Congress will

subsequently demand more; trade agreements would break down without TPA. On the other hand,

rejecting TPA would not be free of serious consequences. Nations around the world are negotiating


bilateral trade deals. If competitors gain free access to our biggest markets while we continue to face

substantial import barriers, our markets will inevitably shrink.

The future viability of American agriculture depends upon our ability to create foreign market

opportunities. The best means to achieve this is through meaningful results for agriculture in current

and future trade agreements. Enactment of TPA will ensure the best possible outcome from future trade

negotiations.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the adoption of Trade Promotion

Authority.

Adopted: 2015

Poultry Committee Mission: To work in cooperation with and build consensus among poultry organizations, to share educational materials and advance solutions for healthy, safe and secure poultry production.

POU1 Need for Funding for Rapid Development of Additional Methods for Depopulation of Poultry

BACKGROUND: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) applauds the United States

Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) support over the

last year towards the development of practical and humane solutions for depopulation of poultry as is

needed in response to disasters and diseases that cannot be controlled through other methods.

However, some gaps still exist in our response capability. Adequate solutions for depopulation of caged

layers have not been developed sufficiently to address both the needs of timely disease containment

and limiting the exposure of personnel performing the depopulation. While practical solutions are

important for the U.S. poultry industry, USDA/APHIS depopulation policy should find accord with other

depopulation standards (e.g. European Union) where possible but only after consideration of the

different husbandry systems and larger poultry numbers found in the U.S.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA compliments the USDA/APHIS on the success thus far of the program to fund

and implement policy in support of new practical methods and humane solutions for depopulation of

poultry. The NIAA requests continued financial support for rapid development of additional methods

for depopulation of caged layers and other challenging populations of birds (waterfowl, turkeys and

upland game birds).

Adopted: 2007 l Amended: 2009 І Amended: 2012 | Reaffirmed: 2017

POU2 Amendment to the National Organic Poultry Program to Provide for Confinement During

Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

BACKGROUND: The American public expressed a desire for organic foods and formal certification

program for such foods. The National Organic Program (NOP) was formed to meet this need and

became regulation in October 2001. There are many distinctive and unique requirements for the


production and processing of organic foods including poultry. Section 205.239, a, 1 of the NOP requires

that United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic poultry should have “access to

the outdoors” during their production life. This outdoor access enhances the likelihood that such poultry

will have direct contact with migratory and wild birds as well as other animals. This requirement for

outdoor access by a department of the official agricultural agency of this country, USDA, seems

incongruous at best. Disease control is a priority for certified organic poultry as well as conventionally

reared poultry. In over 50 years of progress, the poultry industries of this country have moved their

flocks inside, and this action has contributed significantly to the improvement in health of the nation’s

chicken and turkey flocks. Avian influenza (AI) has been a long-standing threat to the health of our

poultry and now takes on new potential public health and media perception identities. Migratory and

wild birds are known carriers of AI virus, and as such, contact between them and domestic poultry must

be prevented.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages the USDA/Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Services/Veterinary Services work with the Agricultural Marketing Service regarding

the NOP to change Section 205.239, a, 1 of the NOP regulations by amending the requirement related to

“access to the outdoors.” As amended, Section 205.239 reads: (a) The producer must establish and

maintain livestock living conditions, which accommodate the health and natural behavior of animals

including access to the outdoors, shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air and direct sunlight suitable to

the species, its stage of production, the climate and the environment and in such a manner that does

not compromise food safety and animal health.

Adopted: 2006 l Amended: 2011 l Reaffirmed: 2016 | Reaffirmed: 2017

Small Ruminant Committee Mission: To work in cooperation with the sheep and goat industries to address the animal health and care challenges of those industries.

SR1 Drug Availability for Sheep and Goats

BACKGROUND: The limited availability of animal drugs approved for use in sheep and goats has been a

concern of these industries for many years. Currently, costs of licensing new drugs for minor species

discourage research and development leading to new products.

The Minor Use Animal Drug Program (MUADP) was created in 1982 to work with the FDA/CVM, the

pharmaceutical industry and producers to facilitate approval of pharmaceuticals and provide

information for the safe and efficacious use of these materials in minor food animal species1 or for

minor uses in major food animal species. Enhanced by the Minor Use/Minor Species Animal Health Act

of 2004 (MUMS), this is the ONLY program that actively works to seek FDA approval for veterinary

therapeutics for minor species or for minor use in major food animal species.


RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges adequate and authorized funding for

the USDA Minor Use Animal Drug Program (National Research Support Project-7) that works in

collaboration with FDA-CVM and the pharmaceutical companies to facilitate approvals of veterinary

products for minor food animal species and for minor use in major food animal species. This program

provides information so that veterinary products can be used in a safe and efficacious manner in minor

food animal species and for minor uses in major food animal species and is consistent with the intent

and regulations under the MUMS act.


2008 | Amended: 2012 | Reaffirmed: 2017

SR2 Funding for Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database (FARAD)

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges adequate and authorized funding

through USDA for the FARAD because of its vital role in food safety.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2001 | Amended: 2007 | Amended: 2011 | Reaffirmed 2016

SR3 Producing Wholesome and Safe Sheep Products

BACKGROUND: Supplying wholesome and safe products is critical to maintain consumer confidence.

Further, the implementation of educational programs promoting best management practices will

enhance the sheep industry’s competitiveness.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) supports the implementation of the

national sheep safety and quality assurance program for production of wholesome and safe products.

Further, NIAA supports an on-going partnership with the sheep industry in producer Quality Assurance

efforts.

Adopted: 2000 | Amended: 2001 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2006 | Reaffirmed: 2011 | Reaffirmed

2016

SR4 Scrapie Eradication

BACKGROUND: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with the support of the U.S. sheep

industry, initiated the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) in 2001 with the goal of eradication

by 2017. In order for Scrapie eradication to be successful, USDA/Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Service (USDA/APHIS) must clearly be the lead agency in a cooperative effort with the states. Adequate

program funding is needed for both APHIS and state animal health regulatory authorities in order to be

effective.

The NSEP allows states to find/evaluate new, innovative and science-based approaches to Scrapie

eradication. Over the past several years, USDA-conducted research has yielded valuable findings guiding

the diagnosis and control of Scrapie. Efforts should continue to be directed toward the development of

live animal (pre-clinical) diagnostic tests, the improvement of existing postmortem diagnostics, and the

determination of the pathogenesis of Scrapie.


Inadequate program funding will result in an increased prevalence of Scrapie which could increase costs

to the industry and taxpayers and have negative trade implications.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) requests that USDA review the NSEP

on an annual basis with the goal of integrating/implementing appropriate new science-based

information. The results should be reported to the United States Animal Health Association Scrapie

Committee and to the NIAA Small Ruminant Committee. NIAA also requests that USDA/APHIS commit

additional funding to utilize the expertise in the field Veterinary Medical Officers (VMOs), Assistant

Directors (ADs), state veterinarians and their staff, utilize their constructive input and encourage

increased surveillance, compliance and enforcement activities. NIAA recommends that this program be

considered a top priority with complete and dedicated funding through the year 2017 to ensure

complete eradication in both sheep and goats.


2011 | Reaffirmed 2016 | Amended: 2017

SR5 Johne’s Disease Research in Small Ruminants

BACKGROUND: While the prevalence of Johne’s disease in the United States (U.S.) sheep and goat

population is not known, preliminary U.S. Department of Agriculture/Centers for Epidemiology and

Animal Health surveys of sheep and goat research from the University of Wisconsin, has recognized

Johne’s disease to be an important problem in both species. Federally funded Johne’s disease research

efforts have been proven to be valuable to the bovine industry.

RESOLUTION: In light of the needed progress for existing small ruminant-based Johne’s research, the

National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages expanded financial support for diagnostic,

surveillance, and immunologic research programs.

Adopted: 2005 | Amended: 2007 | Reaffirmed 2012 | Reaffirmed: 2017

SR6 Producing Wholesome and Safe Goat Products

BACKGROUND: Supplying wholesome and safe products are critical to maintaining consumer

confidence. Further, the implementation of educational programs promoting best management

practices will enhance the goat industry’s competitiveness.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports the development and

implementation of science-based dairy, meat, and fiber goat quality assurance programs.

Adopted: 2006 | Amended: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

SR7 Diseases in Sheep and Goats

BACKGROUND: Local, state and federal governments are often required to react to public concerns

related to zoonotic diseases in an expedited manner. It is critical to have a science-based program and

plan in place to respond to a disease outbreak.


RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports science-based USDA programs that

objectively evaluate zoonotic diseases in sheep and goats and develop action plans (e.g., prevention,

control, eradication).


SR8 Funding for Small Ruminant Research

BACKGROUND: Industry productivity growth, competitiveness and environmental stewardship

enhancements are directly and positively related to investments in research. In recent years United

States Department Agricultural /Agricultural Research Station (USDA/ARS) has reduced its investment in

sheep research, jeopardizing the long-term health and stability of the Industry. Ironically, U.S. Agency

for International Development (USAID) is making increased investment in small ruminant research and

development abroad.

RESOLUTION: National Institute for Animal Agriculture strongly encourages the USDA/ARS to maintain

or increase its domestic funding and urges investment in small ruminant research in the area of animal

production, infectious diseases, forage/rangelands, and environment.

Adopted: 2015

Swine Committee Mission: To develop a comprehensive swine health agenda that includes regulatory animal health, animal welfare, biosecurity and food safety assurance.

SW1 Funding for Infectious Disease Research and Field Studies

BACKGROUND: Due to the increased risk of foreign animal disease introduction and heightened

awareness of potential emerging swine pathogens, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA)

is concerned about maintaining balanced funding by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for infectious animal disease research, particularly for

field-based epidemiological studies at the farm level and applied research.

RESOLUTION: The NIAA requests that DHS and USDA direct increased funding for epidemiological field

studies and applied research that adequately serve the swine industry, and that industry priorities, as

identified by the National Pork Board Swine Health Committee, continue to be considered in the

allocation of funds and projects.


2014


SW2 Swine Health Protection Act Enforcement

BACKGROUND: The risk of foreign animal disease introduction into the United States (U.S.) has

increased due to recent global disease outbreaks. One potential route of entry for foreign animal

diseases is the feeding of uncooked meat products to pigs.

RESOLUTION: In the high-risk global environment of foreign animal disease, the National Institute for

Animal Agriculture (NIAA) urges the U.S. Department of Agriculture to continue vigilant enforcement of

the current law and inspections of all garbage feeding operations in the U.S. and provide an annual

report to the NIAA.

Adopted: 2001 | Amended: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Reaffirmed: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

SW3 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) Research Need

BACKGROUND: PRRS is endemic in all major swine production regions in the United States (U.S.). Due

to the ability of the PRRS virus to mutate and the lack of heterologous antigen/antibody protection,

current biologics are marginally efficacious.

PRRS is indisputably the most economically important infectious disease affecting the U.S. pork industry.

Today there is a relatively small amount of funding, public and private, available for research on the

prevention and control of PRRS. This lack of funding and ongoing research is due to this disease being

relatively new, along with restrictive patents and no mandatory control program.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute of Animal Agriculture (NIAA) requests that the U.S. Department of

Agriculture continue expansion of program funding for basic research, applied research, field studies,

control and elimination plans, and national prevalence studies for PRRS.

Adopted: 2003 | Amended: 2004 | Amended: 2005 | Amended: 2009 | Reaffirmed: 2014

SW4 Swine Health Protection Act Support – Commercial Waste Processing Methods

BACKGROUND: Current regulations that cover the Swine Health Protection Act do not recognize

commercial manufacturing methods now used for processing and cooking methods used by the food

industry to produce human food products that also could be available for feeding to pigs with limited or

no further cooking. Current regulations do not allow for alternative cooking methods for food waste

that effectively kill foreign animal disease (FAD) organisms.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) encourages United States Department

of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Veterinary Service (USDA/APHIS/VS) to

propose changes to 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 166, related to the Swine Health Protection Act,

to recognize commercial food waste processing methods that effectively kill potential animal disease

organisms and allow for alternative cooking methods that effectively kill infectious disease agents; while

fully protecting the health of the U.S. herd from possible FAD introduction via food waste feeding. CFR

language must in no way compromise the safety of the treatment process; all proposed alternate


processing must be scientifically proven to consistently and effectively kill all pertinent disease

organisms.


SW5 Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act) Exemption

BACKGROUND: The Marine Act of 1920 established, for security and protection of the maritime

industries, a regulation that prevents a foreign flagship from loading and unloading in a United States

(U.S.) port. However, it may load at any port in the world and unload at any U.S. port. Thus, over time,

this legislation has resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of U.S. flagships because of

competition with foreign operated ships. Therefore, U.S. rates are NOT competitive, and free trade of

U.S. products is prevented, and imports are encouraged. Examples include U.S. feeder cattle produced

in Hawaii that have to be shipped through Canada to make feedlots in the U.S.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture supports an agricultural exemption of the

Marine Act of 1920 that would eliminate the inequities so created by the Act and requests its staff and

membership to join with National Pork Producers Council and other interests and organizations that also

seek out such an amendment.


SW6 Comprehensive National Surveillance Plan for Swine Diseases

BACKGROUND: Implementation of a comprehensive national surveillance plan for swine diseases is

critical to maintenance of United States (U.S.) free status and early detection in case of introduction or

re-emergence.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture requests the U.S. Department of

Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Veterinary Services (USDA/APHIS/VS)

immediately take the following actions concerning surveillance for swine diseases.

Evaluate and redesign surveillance programs for pseudorabies, swine brucellosis and other diseases

identified by the National Pork Board’s Swine Health Committee, with the goal of evolving the programs

into a comprehensive swine surveillance program based on risk assessments.

Assign staff to be responsible for program analysis and implementation.

Coordinate work between the National Surveillance Unit and Animal Health Programs staff.

Reassign pseudorabies funding and secure additional funding to better implement these ongoing

surveillance efforts.



SW7 Free Ranging Species Research

BACKGROUND: There has been a marked lack of funding for researching methods to prevent, control,

manage and eliminate disease processes in free ranging species occurring as a result of natural exposure

and/or introduction by a bioterrorist.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture urges Congress to allocate additional funds

and resources to United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

and other cooperating governmental entities necessary to develop effective procedures and products

for use in brucellosis elimination from elk, bison, feral/wild swine populations and reindeer.


SW8 Exemption of Livestock and Poultry Manure from the Comprehensive Environmental

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 Provisions and the Emergency Planning

and Community Right-to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986.

BACKGROUND: Whereas livestock and poultry manure is a natural product of animal and poultry

production; and whereas livestock and poultry manure is routinely recycled on farms as a form of

nutrient support for crop production and as a salable product for composting or recovery of energy; and

whereas there has been an effort to regulate livestock and poultry manure under CERCLA.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture encourages the Environmental Protection

Agency to provide a clarification that livestock and poultry manure is not considered a hazardous

substance nor a pollutant or a contaminant under CERCLA and is not subject to the provisions of either

CERCLA nor the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986.

Adopted: 2007|Amended: 2012| Reaffirmed: 2017

SW9 Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) Research Need

BACKGROUND: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) emerged in the United States (U.S.) swine herd

in 2013 and is prevalent in all major swine production regions in the U.S. The virus is easily transmitted

and there are currently no effective vaccines.

PEDv has had a significant economic impact on U.S. swine producers. In addition, a number of

previously exotic corona viruses have also been identified in the U.S. swine herd. As newly emergent,

non-reportable, non-regulatory diseases, there is a need for significant funding to support basic and

applied research as well as the development of control strategies, epidemiology and prevalence studies.

The U.S. pork industry has designated over $1.4 million to support PEDv research and epidemiology.

RESOLUTION: The National Institute for Animal Agriculture requests that the U.S. Department of

Agriculture provide program funding to be used in collaboration with the swine industry for applied and

basic research, field studies, control and elimination protocols, and national prevalence studies for PEDv

and other emerging corona viruses.

Adopted: 2014


SW10 Research Needed to Address Emerging Diseases of Swine (Similar resolution submitted by the

Emerging Diseases Council)

BACKGROUND: At least four previously exotic viruses emerged in the United States (U.S.) swine herd in

2013 and 2014. This raises concern within the pork industry regarding the frequency with which this is

happening and the apparent inability to prevent their introduction, monitor their movement or mitigate

their impact.

Emerging diseases potentially pose a significant economic impact on U.S. swine producers and may

adversely affect access to international markets for U.S. pork products and live animals. As newly

emergent, non-reportable, non-regulatory diseases, there is a need for significant funding to support

response planning, basic and applied research as well as the development of control strategies,

epidemiology and prevalence studies.


Agriculture provide program funding to be used in collaboration with the swine industry for response

planning, basic and applied research, field studies, control and elimination protocols, and national

prevalence studies for emerging swine production diseases.

Adopted: 2014

SW11 Establishing a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank

BACKGROUND: Introduction of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus to the United States could cost the beef,

corn, pork and soybean industries an estimated $200 billion over 10 years. Foot-and-Mount Disease

vaccine could be used to control and eradicate the disease if it were to emerge in the United States.


Agriculture establish a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank containing antigens against the most

common FMD types, maintain an inventory of 10 million doses of vaccine, and establish a contract with

manufacturers for the surge capacity to produce at least 40 million doses.

Adopted: 2017

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