USDA Funds Efforts of Animal Disease Labs
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday said it would spend $20.6 million to enable laboratories in 15 states, including California, to assist the government in case of a major animal disease outbreak.
The money was part of a $43-million package allotted to states to strengthen food and farm security. Most of the remaining money will be used to help states improve how they detect and respond to an animal disease outbreak.
Top USDA officials, including Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, traveled throughout the country to announce the funding.
“States and local communities, along with academia and the private sector, are critical partners in making sure we are prepared in the event of an emergency,” said Veneman, in Detroit for the announcement.
USDA said it wanted state animal research facilities to be able to help federal labs should they be overwhelmed.
Several recent government and private assessments have criticized USDA labs for lax security and dilapidated facilities.
The funds are part of $328 million appropriated by Congress to improve agriculture security.
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