Healthy Livestock Contributes to Safe & Affordable Food
The sixth annual Feeding the Economy report found that 7% of the nation’s economy and 29% of American jobs are linked to the food and agriculture sectors, either directly or indirectly. In 2021, the food and ag sector contributed a total of $3.01 trillion to the U.S. economy and exported $182.91 billion worth of goods.
Healthy animals are the cornerstone of food animal production. Farmers and ranchers use medicines to ensure the health of cattle, pigs, and other animals, which in turn provide protein, dairy, and other critical animal protein. Healthy animals carry fewer pathogens that can cause disease in people.
Animal diseases never rest – they constantly evolve and trigger a ripple effect that impacts animal welfare, human health, and the economy. Disease outbreaks among livestock can threaten food security and trade, and increased pet ownership and companion animal bonding creates the need for improved pet care solutions.
The animal health industry is investing in exciting innovations that will have a profound impact on animal health and welfare. Research is complex and rigorous, and the policy and regulatory environment that governs animal medicine presents challenges that can hinder the development of therapies to keep animals healthy.
The animal health industry works with policy makers and regulators to identify and execute approaches to address roadblocks to animal health innovation.