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Sens. Smith, Young introduce One Health legislation to combat disease outbreaks

March 24, 2021

SEE: https://homelandprepnews.com/stories/65717-sens-smith-young-introduce-one-health-legislation-to-combat-disease-outbreaks/

U.S. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a bill that would improve coordination among government agencies when studying animal and human health to prevent disease outbreaks.

Specifically, the Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Agriculture Department (USDA), and the Department of Interior (Interior) to adopt a One Health framework with other agencies. It is based on the idea that human and animal health are linked and should be studied together to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.  ...

“The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how we must focus our efforts on better understanding the connection between animal and human health,” Young said. “Instituting a One Health framework at the federal level will help us to improve our knowledge of diseases like COVID-19 so we can best prevent, prepare, and respond to future pandemics and outbreaks.”

U.S. Reps. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced companion legislation in the House. ...

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