USDA establishes resource to help producers move animals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering new resources to help producers who are having trouble moving animals due to processing plant closures during the pandemic.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is establishing the National Incident Coordination Center. The center will work with state veterinarians and other officials to help identify potential alternative markets if a producer is unable to move animals, and, if necessary, advise and assist on depopulation and disposal methods.

The announcement came shortly before President Donald Trump declared meat processing plants as critical infrastructure, part of an effort to keep them open so the country’s food supply remains stable. Federal officials released safety guidelines for meat plants as workers raised concerns.

APHIS will also mobilize and deploy assets of the National Veterinary Stockpile as needed and secure the services of contractors that can supply additional equipment, personnel and services. The agency in its announcement compared this response to that of the highly pathogenic avian influenza emergency in 2015.

Additionally, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide state-level technical assistance to producers and will provide cost-share assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program in line with program guidelines for disposal.