Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations

Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations is sponsored by USDA-APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). This initiative aims to strengthen biosecurity measures at equine welfare organizations by developing user-friendly resources and providing financial support to eligible organizations for personal protection equipment and supplies to establish temporary quarantine areas.

American Horse Council Awarded USDA Grant to Boost Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations - The American Horse Council American Horse Council Awarded USDA Grant to Boost Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations American Horse Council Awarded USDA Grant to Boost Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations Washington, D. C.

— The American Horse Council (AHC) is thrilled to announce it is one of just three livestock industry trade associations selected to receive a grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP).

The AHC will receive $275,000 over the next two years to support its proposal, “Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations. ” The funding comes as part of a $15. 3 million USDA initiative to support 68 projects that protect and improve the health and biosecurity of U.S. livestock through training, education, and innovative planning.

These projects span 31 states and include partnerships between federal agencies, state animal health officials, academia, and private industry. The AHC’s proposal aims to strengthen biosecurity measures at equine welfare organizations. Although these organizations play a vital role in protecting equines, many struggle to maintain standardized biosecurity protocols.

This project seeks to address and improve the gap. In simple terms, this initiative will raise awareness about consistent biosecurity practices and support equine welfare organizations in improving their protocols to prevent and manage disease outbreaks.

The project will develop user-friendly resources and provide financial support to eligible organizations to purchase personal protection equipment and supplies to establish temporary quarantine areas if an infectious equine is identified on the property. The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), a program of the AHC Foundation that has been collecting and analyzing national data on equine welfare since 2018, will manage the project.

“AHC is so grateful for funding to do this research that we hope will inform and help biosecurity for equine welfare organizations,” said Julie Broadway, President of the American Horse Council.

“AHC and EWDC have worked hard since 2018 to help the horse industry understand the status of at-risk equines, owners in need, and organizations across the country supporting them,” added Emily Stearns, MScR, AHC’s Health, Welfare, and Regulatory Affairs Liaison. “This project will go a long way to ensure the health and well-being of these organizations and the populations they aid.

” The Equine Welfare Data Collective’s connection to equine welfare organizations across the country make them uniquely suited to lead this effort. By helping organizations improve their biosecurity measures, the AHC and EWDC hope to minimize disease risks, improve equine outcomes, and support the long-term sustainability of these critical programs. And in the simplest terms?

“EWDC is excited to be able to help improve the welfare of at-risk horses and the programs that are supporting them in a whole new way in thanks to this generous funding opportunity,” said Kelsey Buckley, Program Manager for the EWDC.

The American Horse Council is honored to receive this recognition and funding, and looks forward to working with its partners and the USDA to promote a healthier, safer future for all equines and the organizations that care for them. As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D. C.

, the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Email: info@horsecouncil. org Website: www.

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