BIO Applauds Introduction of the Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act of 2018

Washington, D.C. (March 23, 2018) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) applauds the introduction of the “Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act of 2018” by Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Todd Young (R-IN).

“BIO applauds the introduction of bipartisan legislation by Senators Smith and Young to establish an interagency One Health framework,” said Tom DiLenge, President of BIO's Advocacy, Law & Public Policy Division. “Our members are at the forefront of innovations addressing human, animal, plant and environmental health, and this legislation highlights the importance of collaboration across these disciplines.”

BIO believes increased coordination between federal agencies to establish the One Health Program will lead to better understanding and preparedness efforts to combat diseases such as avian influenza (HPAI), Ebola, and the Zika virus.

“It is critical to understand the relationship between human, animal and environmental health in order to effectively protect against diseases and malnutrition,” said Eddie J. Sullivan, Ph.D., president, CEO and co-founder of SAB Biotherapeutics and chair of BIO’s Food & Agriculture Section Governing Board. “SAB Biotherapeutics commends the legislation’s recognition of this interconnectedness and its call for interagency coordination to establish the One Health Program to better safeguard human, animal and environmental health.”

“BIO encourages Congress and the agencies to consider innovative, technology-driven solutions as it works to establish the One Health program framework called for by this important legislation,” added DiLenge.