NAHLN Funding in Jeopardy

July 20, 2011 — 

The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) may see a reduction in its FY2012 federal funding. The U.S. House of Representatives, Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee initially removed line item funding from within the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). FY 2010 levels were more than $9 million, which included $4.4 million for the NAHLN under the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative under NIFA. This funding is critical to support the NAHLN. Furthermore, FY2011 funding was cut an additional 39%.

Recently, as the US House of Representatives deliberated the FY2012 agriculture appropriations bill, an amendment was approved to restore funding to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network under the NIFA Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative. Thanks to the work of AAVLD and AVMA, this is a positive step to maintain funding for the NAHLN. However, this issue is not fully resolved.

The Senate will soon be taking up agriculture appropriations, and thus it is important that they are educated on the importance of the NAHLN. The USAHA Executive Committee has sent letters to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. Additionally, USAHA has prepared a model letter that can be sent to your respective Senators (www.senate.gov). You may also wish to educate your Representatives on the issue, which can be found at (www.house.gov).

USAHA has a long history of supporting the NAHLN effort through its Resolutions, including support for federal funding.

Source: USAHA