The university of california will work with cattle producers to create enhanced biosecurity plans for beef operations

The Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the University of California, Davis of $236,120 on October 1, 2025, under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025).

The University of California will recruit and train interns to conduct site visits and work with beef cattle producers to develop premises-specific enhanced biosecurity plans. At least 30 beef producers or premises will be identified and willing to participate. With producer permission, the enhanced biosecurity plans will be provided to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. In the event of a disease outbreak, pre-approved plans help producers continue operations and minimize livestock impacts. Project outcomes will be shared in trade publications such as Cattlemen's Magazine.

The period of performance runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, with work performed across the United States.

Oregon State University and the University of Idaho serve as sub-recipients. Oregon State University (Co-PI Sergio Arispe) will mirror California's efforts in Oregon, developing enhanced biosecurity plans for at least 30 beef or dairy operations and ensuring approval through the Oregon state agriculture department. The University of Idaho (Co-PI Mireille Chahine) will conduct similar work in Idaho, also targeting at least 30 enhanced biosecurity plans for beef or dairy operations and securing approval from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Both sub-recipients will identify and train interns to conduct site visits and collaborate with producers on plan development during summer 2025 and 2026, and contribute articles for industry publications.

At least 30 beef producers or premises will be identified that are willing to develop an enhanced biosecurity plan. Interns will be recruited and trained to conduct site visits and work with producers to develop premises-specific biosecurity plans. With the producer's permission, the enhanced biosecurity plans will be provided to california department of food and agriculture. In the event of a disease outbreak situation, pre-approved enhanced biosecurity plans help producers continue business and minimize the impacts of the disease event on their livestock operations. Project outcomes will be shared in cattlemen's magazine or similar trade publications. Producers will benefit by applying preparedness strategies to protect their farms. This project benefits cattle producers by directly working with them to strengthen biosecurity on their ranches and building their preparedness for animal disease outbreaks. Animal disease preparedness projects like this help ensure a safe food supply and protect the livelihoods and economic opportunities of farmers, ran chers, and rural communities. Subaward recipients are oregon state university (CO-PI sergio arispe) and the university of idaho (CO-PI mireille chahine). Efforts in oregon and idaho will mirror those in california with the only difference that in those states enhanced biosecurity plans may also be developed for dairy operations. Each state's target is to prepare at least 30 enhanced biosecurity plans.