NASDA members hear perspectives on animal health and trade from UK Chief Veterinary Officer

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS - Today during the 2024 National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Annual Meeting, United Kingdom Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss addressed the Animal Agriculture Committee on the role of animal health and disease status in trade.

She emphasized the need to feed a growing population while asking the question, "how do we safely feed 10 billion people without using more land while lowering emissions?"

"We all recognize the importance and fragility of food security, and the critical role that biosecurity plays in providing resilience to livestock production and trade," Middlemiss said. "Effective animal health controls are crucial to safe and sustainable food supply. Trust and reassurance in our mutual biosecurity control systems minimizes risk and facilitates trade."

State departments of agriculture regulate and oversee animal health programs in the state, while being the first line of defense against animal disease outbreaks. NASDA is committed to working with intergovernmental agencies and industry stakeholders to foster a collaborative, One Health approach to animal health initiatives.

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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 www.nasda.org.