Approve Animal Health User Fee Law, Says NPPC
US - The National Pork Producers Council has urged reauthorisation of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA).
12 March 2008
3 minute read
It says the law is a critical tool needed by the pork industry and veterinarians as it authorises the Food and Drug Administration to collect fees from the animal health industry to be used for the review and approval of animal health products.
Legislation to reauthorise ADUFA is expected to be introduced in Congress after a public comment period, which ends 14 April 2008.
“Our industry has faced a number of disease challenges since ADUFA was first signed into law,” said Barb Determan, a past NPPC president and pork producer from Iowa, at a public hearing at FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine. “ADUFA was able to get new, innovative technologies to the marketplace, which has helped our industry grow and prosper.”
Since ADUFA was signed into law, three new swine health products have come on the market, helping producers fight the increasing challenges that swine respiratory diseases have created for the industry. Additionally, last year alone, veterinarians and pet owners received nine new products to help pets live longer, healthier lives.
The FDA review and approval process for animal health products is very rigorous. To win approval, animal health companies must demonstrate that their products are effective and safe for animals and safe for the environment. If a product is intended for use in food animals, meat from such animals must be proved safe for human consumption.
“We need new and innovative medicines to maintain the health of our pigs and to deliver safe, wholesome meat products to consumers around the world,” Determan said. “As a pork producer, I have a responsibility to protect public health, animal health and food safety. Pork producers need new medicines and technologies to accomplish this.
“ADUFA ensures that animal health companies are able to provide products to treat and control the new diseases that our animals will face,” added Determan. “The broader public interest is served when pork producers have the means necessary to keep their animals healthy. ADUFA is a critical tool needed by the pork industry and veterinarians.
