Protecting America’s Herds Act

The "Protecting America's Herds Act" mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a competitive grant program aimed at combating New World screwworm outbreaks. These grants will be awarded to cooperative extension services to enhance their capacity for both preparing for and responding to potential infestations. Eligible uses of funds include training personnel in screwworm identification, treatment, management, prevention, and reporting, as well as supporting livestock inspections and the training of inspectors. Furthermore, the grants will facilitate producer education through workshops, field demonstrations, outreach campaigns, and educational materials, alongside providing direct technical assistance to livestock producers on prevention, monitoring, treatment, and biosecurity practices. Priority for these grants will be given to cooperative extension services in States or Tribal communities identified as being at an elevated risk of screwworm introduction or spread. The Secretary is also required to coordinate with various stakeholders, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, State animal health officials, and land-grant colleges, with necessary sums authorized for appropriation to carry out the program.