The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is investing $17.6 million in research targeting two critical diseases affecting livestock: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, and African swine fever (ASF). These diseases are being studied under the USDA’s “One Health” initiative, which integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health.

NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) will allocate $12.7 million for 27 projects aimed at maintaining healthy agricultural animals. Another $4.8 million will be used for ten projects focusing on animal welfare. The research includes efforts to develop vaccines for HPAI and ASF, both of which pose significant threats to animal health, global trade, and food security. While ASF doesn’t affect humans, its entry into the U.S. could severely impact the swine industry.

This investment aims to improve disease prevention, control, and management to safeguard food systems and promote sustainable agriculture.

Read more about the USDA’s investment in animal welfare here.