U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith urged nominees for leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to commit to early preparation and rapid response policies against animal disease outbreaks. This appeal was made during a Senate Agriculture Committee confirmation hearing for Dudley Hoskins and Dr. Scott Hutchins.
Hoskins has been nominated as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, while Hutchins, an alumnus of Mississippi State University, is set to become Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and Economics.
“Our livestock and poultry industries rely heavily on how the USDA acts to protect our nation from foreign animal diseases,” stated Hyde-Smith. She referenced ongoing struggles with diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, African Swine Fever, Foot and Mouth Disease, and the New World screwworm currently spreading in Mexico.
Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of preparedness: “We’re quickly learning how important it is to be prepared for these outbreaks.” She queried Hoskins on his plans to enhance disease response measures already initiated by Agriculture Secretary Rollins.
Hoskins praised the 2018 Farm Bill for its establishment of a “three-legged stool” approach—comprising the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and National Animal Health Laboratory Network—to safeguard against foreign animal disease outbreaks. “To me, that is a critical toolbox,” said Hoskins. He committed to implementing Secretary Rollins’ five-point plan on high-path AI if confirmed.
Hyde-Smith also questioned Hutchins about strengthening USDA partnerships with land-grant universities like Mississippi State University. She highlighted advancements in crop genetics and animal health capabilities due to research initiatives.
“These research initiatives support American farmers… developing new tools to fight diseases,” she said. Hutchins pledged continued collaboration with land-grant institutions: “The land grant institutions are on the front lines… At Mississippi State… they developed techniques to eradicate [boll weevil]… We’ll definitely put the land-grant institutions at the tip of the spear.”
A business meeting will be scheduled next by the committee to vote on advancing Hoskins’ and Hutchins’ nominations for a full Senate confirmation vote.
