Improving competitiveness in the world market, enhancing our nation's livestock industries, and protecting against emerging diseases more than ever depend on maintaining disease-free animals and ensuring that systems are in place to respond to disease outbreaks.
Healthy livestock are fundamental to a safe food supply for the American public.
Key industry groups, including the Animal Agriculture Coalition, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the U.S. Animal Health Association, among others, have strongly emphasized the urgent need for these new facilities. NADC was built in the early 1960's. NVSL was constructed in the late 1970's. Today, NADC, NVSL and CVB remain scientifically strong with well-focused programs, but the facilities have now reached the end of their design and structural lifespan. In some cases, the original manufacturer of equipment still in use has gone out of business.