Little Apple Times

Today, Rep. Tracey Mann, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry, led a hearing focused on safeguarding U.S. agriculture through the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). The subcommittee examined how NAHLN mitigates foreign animal diseases such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, African Swine Fever, and New World Screwworm.

Chairman Mann emphasized the role of institutions like the Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in preventing disease spread. He highlighted potential impacts of diseases like New World Screwworm on cattle producers if they reach U.S. borders.

In his opening statement, Chairman Mann noted that "the National Animal Health Laboratory Network is a critical piece of our ability to respond to and mitigate foreign animal diseases." He pointed out that NAHLN has expanded from 12 laboratories in 2002 to over 60 today.

Mann praised partnerships between federal, state, and university-associated labs as essential for effective response efforts when foreign animal diseases are detected. The hearing featured expert testimonies from those working at NAHLN laboratories who shared insights into their work tracking outbreaks and collaborating with facilities like NBAF.

"The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas," said Mann, "is a state-of-the-art facility that will help protect the nation’s agriculture." Dr. Retallick added that collaboration with NBAF includes training future technicians for confirmatory testing roles.

Regarding New World Screwworm detection in Mexico, USDA estimates suggest significant economic losses if an outbreak occurs in Texas or other states within its historic range. Dr. Retallick explained that NAHLN labs play a vital role in recognizing disease threats through trained specialists.

The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act increased funding for NAHLN by $10 million annually until fiscal year 2030. This investment aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities and research efforts across laboratories nationwide.

Main stated: “It would be a tremendous help... providing a base of capacity and capability which is principally driven by our people.”