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Myth Busters: The Facts About How African Swine Fever (ASF) Spreads

Lynn Wachtman, Veterinary Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

At APHIS, we get questions about what we do and the animal diseases we track. Let’s review some of the common misconceptions around African swine fever (ASF) — what it is and how it’s transmitted.

Animals

Get An A+ in Lunchbox Back-to-School Food Safety

Karen Anderson, Social Media Manager, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), USDA

As kids head back to school, many parents and caregivers are focused on homework, healthy meals and getting everyone to school on time. But one often overlooked item deserves a spot on every checklist: food safety!

Health and Safety

USDA Hits New Information Security Benchmark in 2025

Gary Washington, USDA Chief Information Officer

USDA and all other federal agencies are mandated by FISMA to implement information security protections that are commensurate with the risk posed to their information and systems.

Technology

Planning a Caribbean Getaway? Don’t Give a Fatal Swine Disease a Free Ride

Katheen O’Hara, DVM, PhD, Assistant Director for Swine Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Temperatures are rising, and so are requests for time off! Reports show that more Americans — 53% in 2025, up from 48% in 2024 — are planning to travel this summer.

Animals

Empowering Innovation, Transforming USDA's Future: Register Now for the 2025 USDA Innovation Symposium

Sasha Saeuberlich, Innovation Hub Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer

The USDA Innovation Symposium is just around the corner, so register now -- it's shaping up to be an exciting and informative event for anyone in the federal space.

Technology

USDA’s Food Safety Essentials for Your Next Beach Trip

Jesus Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), USDA

The beach weather may be hot and sunny, but there’s a forecast of foodborne illness if you’re not vigilant about food safety.

Health and Safety

Extension Disaster Education Network Helps Prepare Nation for Hurricane Season

Dr. Ashley Mueller, USDA NIFA national program leader for EDEN

June 1 marked the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a 60% chance of above-average hurricane activity this year. NOAA is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms with six to ten hurricanes and three to five major...

Disaster

USDA Hosts Convening to Highlight Programs and Resources to Support Youth and Communities

Alex Cordova, Deputy Director, Center for Faith, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Earlier this month, Dr. Alveda King, Senior Advisor for Faith and Community Outreach, hosted a group of youth and students from across the country at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) headquarters.

Farming

USDA Shares Food Safety Recommendations for Your Potluck

Meredith Carothers, Public Affairs Specialist, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), USDA

Make sure your summer dish is remembered for its flavor, not a foodborne illness. Keep these potluck food safety tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in mind.

Health and Safety

Celebrating World Trade Month: The Trump Administration’s Approach to Expanding Exports and Supporting Rural Prosperity

Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering

I am honored to serve as the newest member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs mission area in my role as Deputy Under Secretary. As a native of Iowa, where agriculture is our lifeblood, I understand this position is a sacred trust and my duty to the...

Rural Trade