News
FAS admin backs African swine fever program with the Philippines
A new program funded by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will help the Philippines in its fight against African swine fever.
FAS administrator Daniel Whitley tells Brownfield a memorandum of understanding allows the US to share expertise with the Philippines on the response to ASF outbreaks.
“Obviously, we’ve had some experience in managing from our nearby neighbors who have had a bout with ASF over the last year or so in the (Dominican Republic),” he said.
Whitley says the University of Minnesota will play a big role in the project. “Part of what they want to do is highlight all of the different steps that we take to respond to animal disease outbreaks and ensure that communication with our trading partners is honest, open, accurate, and timely, and that the response by our trading partners represents the level of risk that exists.”
The program ties in with $500 million committed by USDA for ASF preparedness and prevention.
