After examining USDA’s handling of an epidemic that killed millions of pigs across the country, the Government Accountability Office said the department needs a stronger plan for dealing with disease threats. In a report, GAO faulted USDA for a lackluster response when the swine enteric coronavirus diseases were detected in May 2013.
The USDA let the swine industry take the lead and did not require reporting of infected herds until June 2014. “USDA did not follow its guidance that calls for conducting epidemiological investigations at the onset of outbreaks,” said GAO. “As a result, USDA did not conduct timely investigations of the premises with the first infected herds and the source of disease may never be determined. Further, USDA does not have a process to help ensure the guidance is followed.”
USDA has drafted new guidance but has not defined key aspects, such as roles and responsibilities, said GAO, which recommended USDA clarify its plan. “USDA generally agreed with GAO’s recommendations,” said the report. The United States is the third-largest hog producer in the world with pork exports worth $6 billion in 2014. Chairman Fred Upton of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, who requested the report, said it was troubling that USDA did not follow its own guidelines for investigating disease. Agri-Pulse quoted Upton as saying, “USDA’s actions created unnecessary risks. Where will USDA go from here?”