DeLauro Reaction to New USDA Framework for Livestock Tracing Program

Washington, DC– Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) released the following released today in reaction to the announcement by USDA on a new framework for animal disease traceability in the United States:

"The announcement today reinforces the value of a national traceability system to animal health and our livestock markets. After receiving $147 million in funding, it is encouraging to see the USDA begin to formulate a detailed plan on how it intends to implement an effective system across the country.

"While strong involvement of States and Tribal Nations is needed to ensure that a national system is successfully integrated by livestock owners, I am concerned that we are moving from a single system capable of integrating and analyzing information across state lines to a collection of over fifty smaller systems that rely on different technology will be less effective for national animal disease surveillance and response efforts. As the federal agency receiving funds, designing, and implementing the program, USDA needs to maintain accountability for a successful animal disease traceability system."