The louisiana department of agriculture and forestry (LDAF) will acquire the necessary equipment and training to respond to a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak through targeted enhancements in…

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) received a $184,092 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) effective August 15, 2025, through August 14, 2027. The award supports LDAF's acquisition of equipment and training to enhance the state's capacity to respond to foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks through targeted improvements in three critical operational areas: on-site decontamination to reduce disease transmission risk, depopulation capabilities to ensure timely response to mass mortality events, and composting staff training to ensure proper disposal of animal remains.

The project delivers direct benefits to Louisiana's livestock industry by training local animal disease emergency responders and strengthening the state's infrastructure for rapid outbreak management. By enhancing decontamination, depopulation, and disposal capabilities, the award supports protection of the state's food supply chain and the economic viability of farming, ranching, and rural communities dependent on livestock production. LDAF will serve as the implementing entity, leveraging this federal investment to build sustainable disaster response capacity within the state's agricultural emergency management framework.

The louisiana department of agriculture and forestry (LDAF) will acquire the necessary equipment and training to respond to a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak through targeted enhancements in decontamination, depopulation, and disposal. The targeted efforts include reducing the risk of disease transmission through improved on-site decontamination efforts, ensuring a timely response to a mass mortality event, and increasing the number of trained composting staff in the state to ensure proper disposal. This project benefits louisiana's livestock producers by training local animal disease emergency responders and building the state's capabilities to quickly manage animal disease outbreaks. Animal disease preparedness projects like this help ensure a safe food supply and protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.