Sioux City Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Beagle Brigade Act with support from U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Hull). The legislation aims to enhance efforts in preventing foreign animal diseases from entering the United States.

Rep. Feenstra emphasized the importance of this measure for Iowa's agriculture and food security. "Keeping foreign animal diseases out of our country is critical to the security of Iowa agriculture and our food supply," he stated. He highlighted past challenges faced by farmers due to bird flu and potential threats like African Swine Fever to the hog industry.

The act will enable the National Detector Dog Training Center to train dogs, including beagles, for inspecting cargo, baggage, and vehicles at borders. This initiative seeks to detect foreign diseases that could significantly impact agriculture.

Rep. Feenstra expressed his commitment to ongoing efforts in preventing such outbreaks through legislative measures like passing the Farm Bill and investing in prevention and detection strategies.