Agricultural News
Sonny Perdue Testifies Before House Ag Committee That Having a Vaccine Bank is a Wise Decision
Thu, 18 May 2017 11:42:15 CDT
The House Committee on Agriculture, yesterday, called a hearing to discuss several topics relevant to the industry right now. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was there to offer his perspective on several of the issues brought up, including a few of interest to the livestock industry. One topic in particular, the need for a vaccine bank, to thwart the potential threat of an outbreak, such as Foot and Mouth Disease.
"I guess the saying we have in Georgia - when the mule's out the gate, it's too late to close the gate," Perdue quipped. "You don't get the opportunity after an outbreak has occurred. So, I think you all are wise in considering a vaccine bank, whether it's Foot and Mouth disease, or whether it's hi-path Avian Influenza."
Perdue mentioned that as a veterinarian by trade, he understands the benefits of vaccination and compared a vaccine bank to having insurance with a "priceless" policy.
"The fact is, we cannot psychologically afford even a Foot and Mouth scare here at all," Perdue said. "We saw what BSE did to us. You got to have a vaccine availability ahead of the time so I look at it as a wise insurance program."
Listen to more of Perdue's comments on disease prevention in the livestock industry and more with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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