Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, has announced the establishment of the Livestock Protection Innovation Grant Program. This program aims to provide grant funding to Iowa-based companies that are working on the development of safe and effective vaccines to protect the state’s livestock from foreign animal diseases.
The threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains high, and in addition to that, the state is also focusing on preventing the risks posed by African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is collaborating with farmers, producers, industry partners, and federal, state, and local officials to be prepared to respond swiftly to any potential threat.
Protecting Iowa’s livestock industry, which has a significant impact of $13 billion on the state’s economy, is of utmost importance. Secretary Naig emphasized the importance of vaccine development as one of the steps being taken to safeguard farm animals and protect the food supply.
With Iowa being a hub of agricultural innovation as America’s Cultivation Corridor, the state is home to numerous companies that are developing advanced tools and technologies in the field. The Iowa Legislature, with the support of Governor Reynolds, has allocated $250,000 for livestock vaccine development in the state. Grant applications will be reviewed through a competitive process, and grants of up to $250,000 will be awarded.
To be eligible for the grant, companies must be based in Iowa and involved in the development of vaccines for livestock and other animals. They should also have a prior relationship with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), either through collaboration with USDA-Agricultural Research Service or by having a product registered with the USDA-Center for Veterinary Biologics. Additionally, the companies must have a vaccine platform that is viable for responding to foreign animal diseases.
Interested Iowa companies can apply by filling out an application and submitting it to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship by October 10.
For more information, interested individuals can visit the official website of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship at www.IowaAgriculture.gov/vaccine.
Definitions:
– Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): A type of avian influenza that causes severe illness and high mortality rates in poultry.
– African Swine Fever (ASF): A highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs, causing high fever and death.
– Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): A viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep, causing fever and blisters in the mouth and feet.
Sources:
– Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
– United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
