Texas A&M To Head Homeland Security Center

April 27, 2004 - Texas A&M University has been selected as the lead institution for the National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense, a crucial component of the Department of Homeland Security.

The announcement was made today by the Department of Homeland Security. Four institutions will be primary partners in the new center, two each located in Texas and California. They are Texas A&M (lead institution); the University of Texas Medical Branch; the University of California at Davis; and the University of Southern California. The consortium will also include Texas Tech University and the University of Maryland.

The consortium is expected to share an $18 million allocation from the Department of Homeland Security over the next three years.
"We are very pleased and honored with this designation from the Department of Homeland Security," said Texas A&M University President Robert M. Gates.

"Texas A&M and its partners will make a significant contribution towards the defense of our nation through this center of excellence. We thank Congressmen Kevin Brady, Joe Barton and Tom DeLay for the legislation creating these centers of excellence. Congressman John Carter also deserves thanks for working closely with Texas A&M after the concept of these centers became law," Gates said.

Majority Leader Tom DeLay stated, "Universities around the country competed for the right to host these homeland security centers, and I was proud to work with the team from Texas A&M to develop a vigorous plan to protect American agriculture from terrorist attack."

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton said, "I want to congratulate Texas A&M University for being selected by the Department of Homeland Security based on its merits as a world-class institution. I know they will do an outstanding job in this important endeavor."

Rep. Kevin Brady applauded the announcement, saying "Texas A&M's appointment to lead the Homeland Security Center of Excellence on Agro-Security is welcome news to Texas and to our nation. As our country taps into the resources that university systems provide, we greatly enhance our nation's ability to protect itself against acts of terrorism, while at the same time advancing vital research."

Rep. John Carter stated, "From the first day I was sworn into Congress last January, securing a homeland security center for Texas A&M University has been the top goal for me in Brazos County. Today, with this announcement, our goals have become a reality."

Dr. Neville P. Clarke, who has extensive administrative experience as a former director of Texas A&M's Agricultural Experiment Station and as director of the USAF Medical Research Programs, has been named to head the center. Texas A&M created the Integrative Center for Homeland Security in 2002 and Clarke serves as the interim director.

"The selection of the Texas A&M consortium is very rewarding for the involved faculty and involves a tremendous opportunity and responsibility for that part of homeland security that affects the health and safety of livestock across the United States," said Clarke.

The Texas A&M consortium was one of two announced Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. The other new consortium will be headed by the University of Minnesota.

"I am delighted that Texas A&M University and the University of Minnesota and their teams are partnering with Homeland Security in our efforts to address agro-security challenges," said Secretary Ridge. "I am confident that the cooperative work of these two Centers of Excellence will help further the Bush Administration's efforts to ensure the security of the nation's food supply and protect against foreign animal diseases."

"Protecting our food and agriculture systems is a top priority for President Bush," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "Research conducted at these institutions will greatly enhance our ability to protect against animal and plant pests and diseases and food pathogens."

The new center will focus on the threats posed by zoonotic (diseases passed from animals to humans) and foreign-animal diseases. In its initial stages, the new center will concentrate on three specific diseases that are clear and present threats: foot-and-mouth disease, Rift Valley Fever and avian influenza.

Officials said that by working with these three diseases, the Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense will serve as a national resource of information and will produce effective products for immediate treatment and application.

The first three years of work by the center will focus on biological research and outcomes; developing databases and models that can be used for predicting needs, treatments and testing; and expanding resources and educational programs directly related to foreign animal and zoonotic diseases.

Officials said the new center will be created after negotiations are completed and will continue to grow and expand in its first three years. Each project will have a specific deadline, and more than 30 projects are expected to be completed in the first three years.

Rift Valley Fever affects livestock, including cattle, sheep and goats, and humans in Africa. It is named after a trough that stretches 4,000 miles in eastern Africa. The disease is spread through mosquito bites and also by contact with body fluids or blood from an infected animal. It can cause serious injury or death.

Foot-and-mouth disease affects cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, deer, sheep, pigs and goats. It can cause significant loss of productivity and in young animals can be fatal on a large scale.

Avian influenza, more commonly known as bird flu, can be especially harmful to poultry producers and severe outbreaks have been reported in southeast Asia. Deaths in humans have been reported, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of human infections.

Texas A&M University is headquartered in The Research Valley, which is a seven-county region with research and technology companies wanting to take advantage of close ties with the university while enjoying the region's rich quality of life.