Senator Marshall Introduces Legislation Prioritizing Research on Tick-Borne Livestock Diseases

Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) and Senator Jim Justice (R-West Virginia) in introducing the Emerging Tick-Borne Livestock Disease Research Prioritization Act , which designates tick-borne livestock disease in statute as a high-priority research area at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill authorizes the USDA to make competitive grants within pre-existing research programs aimed at developing vaccines, therapeutics, and treatments for tick-borne livestock diseases. The legislation specifically targets diseases associated with the Asian Longhorned Tick, several of which lack an approved vaccine or treatment. “Kansas ranchers already have enough challenges without worrying about another invasive pest threatening their herds. As the Asian Longhorn Tick continues to spread, we need to stay ahead of it—not play catch-up,” said Senator Marshall. “This bill makes sure USDA treats this growing threat like the priority it is by directing more research toward protecting our cattle, our producers, and our food supply.” “Missouri is one of the nation’s leaders in livestock production, and our farmers and ranchers work too hard to have their livelihoods threatened by emerging tick-borne diseases. Invasive species like the Asian Longhorned Tick pose a growing risk to our livestock industry and the families who depend on it. By elevating the need for critical research into tick-borne livestock disease, we’re helping ensure producers have the tools they need to protect their herds, strengthen our food supply, and keep America’s agriculture industry competitive. I’ll keep working with Missouri’s farm families to protect for the Show-Me State’s number one economic driver,” said Senator Schmitt. Click here for the full text of the legislation. ### Contact: Payton Fuller