WASHINGTON, DC - President Obama today signed into law S.622, the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013. The legislation would reauthorize the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) and the Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) that expire at the end of Fiscal Year 2013. The programs have ensured that veterinarians, livestock and poultry producers, and pet owners have access to the drugs they need to keep their animals healthy. Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) led the effort to renew these important programs.
“This law will continue the benefits for both animal health and human health that provide for the review of new animal drugs," said Shimkus. “I am pleased that we were able to accomplish this in such short time since House passage earlier this month."
“Keeping our animals healthy and our food supply safe is crucial in ensuring our own health," added Gardner. “This legislation gives producers throughout the country access to safe and effective animal drugs to treat their herds, keeping animals and our food healthy."
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said, “Today we have good news for American families and farmers. These programs that help keep animals healthy and bring new drugs to market will continue without interruption. Further, this bipartisan measure also protects American jobs because ADUFA and AGDUFA provide companies like Zoetis in southwest Michigan the predictability they need to produce innovative drugs for pets and livestock."
