Source: Veterinary Practice News
A newly released House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill draft includes the Healthy Dog Importation Act and several Veterinary workforce and animal health provisions, drawing praise from national Veterinary and pet industry groups. The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) supports the dog importation measure, noting that about one million dogs enter the U.S. each year, with only around 1% screened for illness. The legislation would require proof of vaccination, parasite treatment, negative disease tests, permanent identification, and penalties for noncompliance, giving USDA stronger oversight tools to protect animal and public health.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also endorsed the draft, highlighting provisions that reinforce animal disease prevention and rural veterinary capacity. The bill would reauthorize key programs, including the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, the Veterinary Services Grant Program, and the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program. Lawmakers are scheduled to begin committee deliberations on the proposed Farm Bill February 23.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/farm-bill-dog-importation-act/