Bill Introduced To Prioritize Research On Tick-Borne Livestock Diseases

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall joined Sens. Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Jim Justice from West Virginia last week in introducing the Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Prioritization Act. The bill would statutorily designate tick-borne livestock diseases as a high-priority research area at USDA.

If enacted, it would authorize the agency to issue competitive grants through existing research programs to develop vaccines, therapeutics and treatments for tick-borne livestock diseases. The legislation specifically targets diseases associated with the Asian longhorned tick, several of which lack approved vaccines or treatment.

“This legislation would fund critical research and education efforts that will improve cattle health, animal welfare and the long-term financial stability of farmers and ranchers,” said NCBA Director of Government Affairs Sigrid Johannes. “Cattle producers understand it will take a collective effort to protect the future of the U.S. cattle industry, and this bill is an important step in these efforts.”