Reps. Davis, Finstad, Kaptur Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect US Pork Producers from Animal Disease

WASHINGTON, DC – Reps. Don Davis (NC-01), Brad Finstad (MN-01), and Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) have introduced H.R. 10911, US Swine Health Improvement Plan Act, bipartisan bill that would formally establish a voluntary US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulatory program to be known as the US Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) to certify that herds at pork farms and pig breeding facilities across the country meet strong health standards. This legislation would aim to prevent, detect, and respond to animal diseases such as African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever, which have appeared in recent years in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

“North Carolina is the third-largest hog-producing state in the country. Our swine industry is a large part of the state’s agricultural economy and food supply,” said Rep. Don Davis. “A voluntary US Department of Agriculture framework for animal disease monitoring and herd health certification can help farmers and allow for a more timely response to disease outbreaks in order to protect our economy and food supply.”

“With this legislation, we are supporting our Nation’s agricultural trade economy and helping to protect animal health, public health, and the security of our food supply by preventing future animal disease outbreaks,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “We are also helping US pork producers reach international markets, and, most importantly, we are protecting the economic livelihood of family farms, including those I represent across Northwest Ohio.”

“I’m proud to represent one of the top pork-producing congressional districts in the country,” said Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01). “This critical, bipartisan legislation to formally establish the US Swine Health Improvement Plan will ensure our pork producers in southern Minnesota and across the country have the support and resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I remain committed to ensuring our farmers and producers have the tools they need to succeed.”

A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.

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