H.R. 3915: Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, named the Foreign Animal Disease Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act of 2025, aims to update and improve the framework for preventing and managing animal diseases that can spread internationally. Here are the key components of the legislation:

Funding for Disease Prevention and Management

The bill amends existing laws to set aside mandatory funding from the Commodity Credit Corporation for various animal health programs:

For the fiscal years 2023 through 2025, it allocates $30 million annually, with at least $18 million designated for specific disease prevention efforts.
From 2026 through 2029, it increases the annual funding to $233 million, with specific allocations including:

At least $10 million each year for initial prevention activities.
At least $70 million each year for enhanced management programs.
At least $153 million each year for additional efforts related to animal disease response.

Starting in 2031 and in subsequent years, it proposes $75 million per year, with a minimum of $45 million for management programs.

Authorization of Appropriations

The bill provides further authorizations for appropriations to support specific programs focused on animal health:

It includes funding for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, proposing $30 million annually from 2019 through 2025, and increasing it to $45 million annually from 2026 through 2030.
The funding for programs related to national animal disease preparedness, response, and vaccine development is extended, indicating a long-term commitment to improving responses for potential outbreaks.

Goals of the Bill

The primary goals of the bill are to:

Enhance surveillance systems to detect foreign animal diseases more effectively.
Facilitate quicker response mechanisms to outbreaks that could threaten public health and the economy.
Support scientific research and development of vaccines and treatments for such diseases.

Impact on Animal Health Programs

This legislation seeks to solidify and expand existing animal health initiatives, ensuring that there are adequate resources and infrastructure in place to deal with potential disease threats that can impact both domestic and international animal populations.