New England Regional Milkshed Project Virtual Monthly Workshops with Univ of Vermont

New England Regional Milkshed Project Virtual Monthly Workshops with Univ of Vermont

NEW ENGLAND MILKSHED WORKSHOPS EXPLORE PROTECTION STRATEGIES AGAINST FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS

Agricultural producers of livestock and livestock products and their industry allies are being asked to help shape strategies that can protect local farms and the New England “milkshed” from a foreign animal disease outbreak. Foreign animal diseases (FADs) are not normally found in the U.S., and some have the potential to cause devastating impacts to U.S. agriculture if they occur. A milkshed includes all sources of milk processed or manufactured into dairy products in a region.

Researchers at the University of Vermont (UVM) are hosting a series of four monthly, online workshops, where participants will identify challenges and possible solutions for New England’s dairy industry.

Workshops will be held via Zoom from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET on the following dates:

• November 12, 2025

• December 10, 2025

• January 14, 2026

• February 11, 2026

Dr. Julie Smith, veterinarian and research professor in the UVM Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, is leading this milkshed project and collaborating with dairy farmers, dairy cooperatives, veterinarians, and federal and state regulatory officials. The goal is to gather input and ideas from the workshops that could lead toward reducing the risks of disease spread from livestock and dairy product movements.

“The workshops will explore strategies for reducing harm to the New England dairy industry if a foreign animal disease outbreak occurs anywhere in the United States. We need dairy producer and industry perspectives on what is needed to develop a milkshed protection plan.”

Why Care About Foreign Animal Diseases?

The U.S. enjoys preferential status in the international trade of animal products because of its freedom from many foreign animal diseases. Foreign animal disease-free status benefits animal welfare, the environment, and helps to make food more affordable. However, as long as these diseases exist in the world, it is important to have effective plans to deal with the threats and their consequences if an outbreak occurs.