July 26, 2007

Congressional Appropriations for VHS

The House and the Senate FY 2008 Appropriations Bill include two line items for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS). The House includes $5.6 M for VHS in the Animal Health Monitoring and Surveillance line item (new money). The Senate includes an increase of $1.8M, specifically for VHS, in the aquaculture line item. Bills and committee reports are attached.

Because of the recent decision by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) denying the USDA request for emergency funds to conduct VHS surveillance and education, it is imperative that industry contact their congressional members immediately, requesting support of the House and Senate Appropriations mark-ups. Please refer specifically to the amounts, noting that they are included in the FY 2008 Appropriation Bills.

If you need addresses or contact information for your Congressional members, please contact the NAA office for assistance.