The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced a new farm bill that includes key provisions supporting veterinary medicine, animal health, and public safety. The legislation is drawing praise from the American Veterinary Medical Association. The legislation reauthorizes critical programs aimed at preventing animal disease outbreaks, strengthening food safety, and improving veterinary workforce shortages—especially in rural areas where producers rely heavily on access to care. It also includes the Healthy Dog Importation Act, designed to reduce the risk of foreign animal diseases entering the U.S.
“The AVMA applauds the House for advancing a Farm Bill that will strengthen dog importation standards and protect the country’s animal and public health,” said Michael Bailey, AVMA President. Supporters say the bill benefits U.S. farmers and ranchers by improving disease prevention, ensuring a safer food supply, and expanding veterinary services, all critical factors in maintaining livestock health, productivity, and long-term agricultural stability.
