AAVLD AND USAHA LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET IN DC

During the third week of March, AAVLD and USAHA legislative committee leaders met in Washington, DC, for two days of meetings with key governmental agencies.   This included USDA, APHIS, VS, NVSL, NAHLN, FSIS, NIFA, ARS, APHIS, WS, DHS-CBP, FDA-CVM, FBI-WMD,  WOAH, AVMA and CDC.  Over four hours alone were dedicated to key USDA leaders, including the personal attendance of the US Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Rosemary Sifford, and the USDA APHIS Administrator, Dr. Michael Watson.   Their time and conversation were greatly appreciated. 

Hot topics were of course related to the management of the current HPAI outbreak in the poultry and dairy industries, NAHLN funding via the Farm Bill which has expired but been extended with a no change continuing resolution through September 30^th, and how to maintain essential animal health/food security services where there are possibilities of potential downsizing of budgets within key agencies.  This includes concern regarding NAHLN (USDA) and VetLIRN (FDA) funding sources.   Though the Federal component of operating state veterinary diagnostic laboratories is quite small, the national coordination and networking, as well as sharing of resources during major outbreaks, is vital and has proven to be an efficient and most effective state/federal partnership for the past 23 years.