Guarding against African swine fever. This research project, co-funded with the Swine Health Information Center, will fill in data gaps related to the industry’s response to the recent global African swine fever outbreaks and aims to strengthen some potential risk mitigation steps for the feed industry.

Studying the impact of GM-free feed on U.S. animal production. The livestock, poultry and aquaculture industries have used genetically modified (GM) feed ingredients for more than 20 years. The results of this proposal are likely to underscore the environmental and economic impacts of going GM free in U.S. feed production.

Sampling feed for the presence of salmonella. IFEEDER provided a grant to AFIA to conduct a national survey of feed to determine the presence and type of salmonella in feed. The published report from the project will test the hypothesis that salmonella in feed is not a reasonably foreseeable hazard for livestock and poultry feed.

Analyzing pet food production and ingredients. Similar to the animal feed consumption study, IFEEDER is embarking on a project to better quantify and understand pet food ingredient composition and consumption in the U.S.

Bridging the consumer information gap. Efforts continue to proactively engage consumers through policy-makers, consumer influencers and key stakeholders about the proactive contributions the animal food industry is making in providing high-quality, safe and diverse food options. Future education initiatives are focused on preserving consumer choice and protecting the animal food industry’s image and license to operate. This requires investing time and resources to continuously provide consumers with fact-based information that promotes a positive image for the industry as a whole.