Guidance for grazing on public lands during a foreign animal disease outbreak

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is providing more than $200,000 in farm bill funding to support the American Sheep Industry Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in developing movement decision criteria for sheep and cattle grazing public land allotments during a potential foreign animal disease outbreak.

There are several agencies involved in issuing public land grazing permits in 14 states for 22,000 ranchers. These are not the same agencies responsible for foreign animal disease response.

This funding will allow collaboration among the agencies, states and industry partners, like the Public Lands Council. Guidance documents created through group discussion will be exercised.

The project is expected to take two years to complete. This effort will better prepare sheep and cattle producers, whose livestock graze public lands, to voluntarily prepare before a foreign animal disease outbreak.

It will provide information and actions needed during a foreign animal disease outbreak to protect their flocks and herds and meet movement criteria. It will provide state and federal decision makers with a better understanding of the management practices, capabilities and limitations of grazing sheep and cattle on public lands.

“The preparedness and response activities we are funding today will enhance our ability to address the animal disease issues of tomorrow. They arm us with the best science available to retain international markets and feed both our own families and the world,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

The information developed from the grant will improve the guidance in the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply and Secure Beef Supply plans for sheep and cattle producers with livestock grazing on public lands.

ASI and USDA provided funding to develop both plans and associated resources for producers. ASI and NCBA look forward to collaborating on this project with the stakeholders and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, a consultant with Preventalytics.

ASI and NCBA each provide unique resources for sheep and cattle producers to prepare for, respond to and enhance their resiliency for a foreign animal disease event.