Washington, D.C.—The American Horse Council (AHC) announced on April 10 that it is one of just three livestock industry trade associations selected to receive a grant through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP). The AHC will receive $275,000 over the next two years to support its proposal, “Assessing and Improving Biosecurity at Equine Welfare Organizations.”

The funding comes as part of a $15.3 million USDA initiative to support 68 projects that protect and improve the health and biosecurity of U.S. livestock through training, education and innovative planning. These projects span 31 states and include partnerships between federal agencies, state animal health officials, academia and private industry.

Providing support to groups in need

The AHC’s proposal focuses on enhancing biosecurity at equine welfare organizations. While these organizations play a vital role in equine protection, many face challenges maintaining standardized biosecurity protocols. The project aims to change that.

In simple terms, this initiative will raise awareness about consistent biosecurity practices and help these organizations improve protocols to prevent and manage the spread of disease. The project will develop user-friendly resources and provide financial support to organizations in need to purchase personal protection equipment and resources to create temporary quarantine areas in the event of an equine with an infectious disease on the property.

The Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC), a program of the AHC Foundation that has been collecting and analyzing national data on equine welfare since 2018, will manage the project.

‘Uniquely suited’ to lead the effort

“AHC is so grateful for funding to do this research that we hope will inform and help biosecurity for equine welfare organizations,” said Julie Broadway, president of the American Horse Council.

“AHC and EWDC have worked hard since 2018 to help the horse industry understand the status of at-risk equines, owners in need, and organizations across the country supporting them,” added Emily Stearns, MScR, AHC’s Health, Welfare and Regulatory Affairs Liaison. “This project will go a long way to ensure the health and well-being of these organizations and the populations they aid.”

The Equine Welfare Data Collective’s connection to equine welfare organizations across the country make them uniquely suited to lead this effort. By helping organizations improve their biosecurity measures, the AHC and EWDC hope to minimize disease risks, improve equine outcomes, and support the long-term sustainability of these critical programs.

Improving the welfare of at-risk horses

And in the simplest terms?

“EWDC is excited to be able to help improve the welfare of at-risk horses and the programs that are supporting them in a whole new way in thanks to this generous funding opportunity,” said Kelsey Buckley, program manager for the EWDC.

AHC representatives reiterated that they are honored to receive this recognition and funding. They look forward to working with their partners and the USDA to promote a healthier, safer future for all equines and the organizations that care for them.

About the American Horse Council

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities.