Nonpartisan Watchdog Report Sounds Alarm On USDA's Handling of Pig Disease Outbreaks

Statement

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today expressed concern with a new report from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that examined the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) response to a recent pig disease outbreak. Outbreaks of Swine Enteric Coronavirus Diseases (SECD) beginning in the spring of 2013 led to the deaths of millions of pigs in the United States.

"Guidelines are in place for a reason. It's troubling that not only did USDA not follow their own guidance on investigations at the start of the outbreak, but that USDA officials knew they were not following procedure," said Upton. "Pig disease outbreaks, and any livestock related outbreak for that matter, are of great concern in Southwest Michigan and around the country. From the integrity of our food supply to biosecurity, USDA's actions created unnecessary risks. Where will USDA go from here? That's the million dollar question that must be answered before the next outbreak."

The GAO report, requested by Chairman Upton in July 2014, states that USDA does not have a process in place to ensure their own rules are followed. The report also highlights new guidance from USDA, but indicates that concerns remain.

"To help improve its future response to SECD and other emerging animal diseases -- those not known to exist in the United States or which have changed to become a threat -- USDA has drafted new guidance," reads the report summary. "However, it has not defined key aspects of its response such as roles and responsibilities, which according to its strategic plan, are key components of successful collaboration to protect animal health. Without a clearly defined response to such emerging animal diseases, response efforts could be slowed."

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