The university of nevada, reno will raise producer awareness of the risk of foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and help producers who use private and…

The University of Nevada, Reno received a $440,532 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025). The two-year award, effective August 15, 2025 through August 14, 2027, supports the development and delivery of producer awareness and preparedness initiatives focused on foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks, particularly foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The institution will leverage existing Secure Beef Supply and Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan materials available through Secure Food Supply websites to provide Nevada livestock producers and front-line animal health workers with actionable information and knowledge regarding biosecurity protocols, controlled animal movement procedures, and preparedness actions required before and during FAD outbreaks.

The project deliverables include educational resources and training programs designed to enhance preparedness and resiliency among livestock producers operating on both private and public lands in Nevada. By disseminating information that enables producers to voluntarily prepare for FAD threats and comply with state and federal movement criteria, the award aims to strengthen the safety of the U.S. food supply and protect the economic viability of rural Nevada communities dependent on livestock production. The cooperative agreement structure reflects APHIS's collaborative approach to engaging agricultural stakeholders in disease prevention and response activities at the state level.

The university of nevada, reno will raise producer awareness of the risk of foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), and help producers who use private and public lands for livestock production to voluntarily prepare for and defend against an FAD outbreak. The project will provide producers with information and knowledge about actions needed before and during an FAD outbreak to protect their animals and meet state and federal movement criteria by leveraging secure beef supply and secure sheep and wool supply plan documents and materials that are available on the secure food supply (SFS) websites. Producers and front-line animal health workers benefit from learning more about biosecurity and controlled animal movement during an FAD outbreak. The project will enhance preparedness and resiliency for nevada's livestock producers, ensure a safe food supply, and protect rural communities' economic opportunities.