Ciscomani Pushes to Accelerate USDA Approval of Canine Valley Fever Vaccine

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) and a group of his fellow Arizona congressmen are pushing to accelerate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) review and approval of a canine Valley fever vaccine. 

 Ciscomani, joined by Congressmen David Schweikert (R-AZ-01), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting an update on the status of the vaccine and encouraged its full and fair consideration from the agency. 

“As Valley fever remains prevalent across our state, Arizonans continue to look for ways to prevent this terrible disease, for themselves, their families, and their pets alike,” saidCiscomani. “I’m encouraged to see that the USDA is reviewing a potential canine Valley fever vaccine as it would open doors to vaccines for humans while protecting man’s best friend. I hope the agency continues to prioritize both animal and human Valley fever vaccines to give Arizonans much-needed protection from this vicious disease.”

"As co-chairman of the Valley Fever Task Force, I've spent more than a decade in Congress bringing much-needed awareness to this debilitating and often deadly disease that disproportionately impacts our communities here in Arizona,” said Schweikert. “It's more than encouraging that the USDA is reviewing a potential canine Valley fever vaccine, which could lead to a breakthrough in treatment options for humans and an eventual cure to help end the suffering of our constituents affected by this terrible disease.”

Full text of the letter is available here.