Who
are we?
The
United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), a national non-profit
organization, has about 1,400 members and works with state and federal
animal health officials, veterinarians, livestock producers, national
livestock and poultry organizations, research scientists, the
extension service and seven foreign countries to control livestock
diseases in the United States. The Association serves as an advisor to
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USAHA represents all 50 states, 7 foreign countries and 18
allied groups serving health, technical and consumer markets. The
Association has 33 working committees concerned about all diseases
affecting major domestic livestock.
Why
are we needed?
Raising
animals for food, profit or pleasure is a long, carefully timed
process. Any disruption in production schedules means a direct dollar
loss to the producer and, ultimately, causes the consumer to pay
higher prices for meat and dairy products.
Disease is the greatest enemy of the livestock producer. USAHA
works to eliminate disease and prevent it from returning. USAHA has
helped in controlling or eliminating diseases and pests such as cattle
tick fever, hog cholera, screwworms, brucellosis, and foot-and-mouth
disease.
But control of disease is not enough. The goal is to wipe out
disease completely. Less disease means more healthy animals and
cheaper food costs for the consumer. USAHA leads the way in developing
and implementing federal laws concerned with the inspection of meat
and poultry products for wholesomeness.
What
is our goal?
USAHA's
prime objective is to prevent, control and eliminate livestock
diseases that cost ranchers, farmers and consumers approximately $1
billion per year.
When
did we begin?
Formed
in 1897 as the Interstate Association of Livestock Sanitary Boards,
the organization had fewer than 100 members and was concerned with one
disease affecting cattle--Texas cattle fever.
How
often do we meet
Each
fall, USAHA holds an annual meeting. The Association is divided into
four regions. Each region has a yearly meeting in the spring and, in
sequence, hosts the annual fall membership meeting. |
