Ernst-Led Bill to Fight Foreign Animal Disease Becomes Law

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) bipartisan legislation to fight foreign animal disease and support the Beagle Brigade has officially become law.

The Beagle Brigade Act reinforces the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Detector Dog Training Center, which trains beagles and other skilled dogs to inspect luggage, vehicles, cargo, and packages entering the country. These four-legged detectives play a vital role in identifying prohibited agricultural items that could introduce harmful pests, invasive plants, or dangerous viruses into the United States.

“I’ve been hounding folks in Washington to pass this critical legislation since 2022, and after years of hard work, I am paws-itively thrilled it has become law,” said Senator Ernst. “Preventing the spread of foreign animal disease and protecting our food supply is only possible when everyone, including our four-legged friends, come together. Now, it’s all paws on deck! The Beagle Brigade is a key tool in detecting prohibited agricultural products that may carry serious diseases and invasive pests, stopping them in their tracks, and offering our farmers peace of mind as they work to feed and fuel our country.”

“Iowa pig farmers appreciate Sen. Ernst’s hard work on passing the Beagle Brigade Act,” said Matt Gent, Washington County pork producer and Iowa Pork Producers Association president. “These beagles are the first line of defense to prevent foreign animal diseases from entering the U.S. We must continue to protect the nation’s pork supply so we can provide consumers with a nutritious, affordable, and quality protein to enjoy for years to come.”

“Inspections at our ports of entry play an integral role in biosecurity against foreign animal diseases,” said Lori Stevermer, National Pork Producers Council president and Minnesota pork producer. “On behalf of America’s pork producers, we thank Senator Ernst for understanding the importance of safeguarding our farms and her leadership in advancing the Beagle Brigade Act to become law.”

Background:

Ernst has long been a champion of foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts including the bipartisan Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act.

Following the most recent Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in both Iowa poultry flocks and dairy herds, she is also working to hold federal agencies accountable to providing public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date, and accurate information on the spread of HPAI.

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