NASDA Commends USDA’s Updated New World Screwworm Response Plan, Highlights Strong Collaboration

Press Release

ARLINGTON, Va. - Following USDA's announcement today of an updated New World screwworm response playbook, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney commended USDA for incorporating stakeholder feedback.

"State departments of agriculture are on the front lines of responding to foreign animal disease outbreaks and preventing threats like New World screwworm from spreading," McKinney said. "A coordinated and clearly defined response between state and federal partners is critical to protecting animal health and safeguarding our food supply. We appreciated the opportunity to provide input for this playbook and are encouraged that USDA incorporated key recommendations from NASDA and our members into the final plan."

Background:

NASDA members amended the organization's policy at this year's Winter Policy Conference to support the development of national action plans like this in collaboration with state and industry partners. Combating the spread of animal and plant pests and diseases is a key responsibility for most state departments of agriculture to protect the livestock industry and, more broadly, secure our food supply.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories. NASDA enhances American food and agricultural communities through policy, partnerships and public engagement. To learn more about NASDA, please visit https://www.nasda.org.