AHC Attends Convening with CDC in Atlanta Hosted by NIAA

The American Horse Council (AHC) recently attended a convening with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta hosted by the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA).  

In late August, AHC traveled to Atlanta to represent the horse industry’s needs, in conjunction with other animal agriculture sectors, in discussions with the CDC. 

The CDC is a key partner in the “One Health Approach” a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that works locally, regionally, and globally. The goal is to achieve optimal health outcomes by recognizing the interconnection among people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. 

CDC convened the meeting to learn the priorities of animal agriculture and how to support the health of livestock and people. The meeting also provided animal agriculture attendees with information about relevant CDC programming. 

There are several CDC initiatives that the horse industry should know about. 

Youth in Agriculture (YIA) aims to improve rural youth’s awareness and knowledge of influenza and other zoonotic diseases, motivate them to take steps to prevent the spread of flu and other zoonoses, help them understand the roles of public and animal health in disease prevention, and increase their awareness of careers in public and animal health. 

In 2011, when an outbreak of variant virus infections in people was linked to exposure to pigs at agricultural fairs, public health officials quickly recognized the need to support states in using a One Health approach to respond effectively to novel influenza A and other zoonotic disease outbreaks in rural areas. YIA has built an online repository of information related to helping youth in agriculture understand appropriate biosecurity measures when exhibiting livestock.  

Another key program of the CDC is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). NIOSH is mandated to assure “every man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.” NIOSH has 12 Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health that address occupational safety and health in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors. 

NIOSH Agricultural Safety and Health Centers offer a variety of programming for farm owners and agricultural workers, including free safety evaluations and training, outreach and education, and illness/injury-specific research, such as Lyme disease reduction and prevention in farm workers.  

AHC will continue exploring and sharing programming available through the CDC as we learn more. We’re excited about the opportunity to continue building relationships with our federal agencies and appreciate NIAA organizing the meeting.