Dr. Mike Watson, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Associate Administrator, discussed the research taking place under the American Rescue Plan for SARS-CoV-2, in partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), on USDA Radio.
“Ultimately, the tools and knowledge we gain from this work on SARS-CoV-2 will strengthen the nation’s ability to respond to whatever the next disease is threatening animals, and possibly humans,” said Watson. “Our collaboration with ARS is just a handful of the 17 projects we are currently conducting under the American Rescue Plan Act.”
In 2021, USDA received $300 million in funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. APHIS is leveraging that funding to meet Congress’ charge to conduct monitoring and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in susceptible animals. APHIS is uniquely positioned for this because of our scientific expertise in animal health and animal diseases, including preparing for and responding to foreign animal disease outbreaks.
The work being completed under the American Rescue Plan Act is aimed at understanding how the SARS-CoV-2 virus behaves in different animals, how it moves between animals and people and what we can do to interrupt the chain of transmission. It is targeting a wide range of animal groups for surveillance and to test for susceptibility including farmed animals, such as mink, companion animals like cats and dogs, free-ranging wildlife such as white-tailed deer, and animals in human care such as animals housed in zoos, aquariums and animal rehabilitation centers.
“We are excited to harness the scientific expertise in USDA’s research agency—ARS—to help us meet our goals,” said Watson.
For more information on APHIS’ work with the American Rescue Plan, including funding opportunities, project list and One Health initiatives, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/onehealth.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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