(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, released the statement below regarding the $1 billion plan that was announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to fight the national highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak and stabilize egg prices.
“PFI thanks USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for introducing a comprehensive strategy to combat HPAI, which has been devastating for America’s poultry farmers, who are trusted by U.S. pet food makers to provide the high-quality ingredients used in cat and dog food,” said Dana Brooks, President & CEO of PFI.
“U.S. pet food makers look forward to participating in discussions on how to best support USDA in implementing this critical five-point plan over the coming months. This includes working to ensure that egg imports meet strict U.S. safety standards so they can be used in safe, complete and balanced pet food that is fed to dogs and cats in 82 million U.S. households, as well as expanding the Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments pilot program and working with partners to explore possible vaccine and therapeutics options.”
U.S. pet food manufacturers stimulate the country’s overall agricultural and rural economies through the purchase of ingredients, labor and services from related industries. PFI’s member companies manufacture pet food in 34 states, employ over 35,000 people and generate nearly 400,000 jobs in associated industries. U.S. pet food makers produce more than 9.8 million tons of food a year.
