Wicker, Hyde-Smith seek USDA action protecting U.S farm-raised catfish

Mississippi’s U.S. senators are calling for federal action to protect one of the state’s most important agricultural industries.

Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith are urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take steps to prevent highly contagious fish viruses from threatening farm-raised catfish operations in Mississippi and across the southeast.

The lawmakers are asking USDA officials to strengthen risk assessments and surveillance measures to stop the spread of yellow catfish virus and channel catfish virus before they can impact U.S aquaculture.

Mississippi leads the nation in farm-raised catfish production, making the industry a major economic driver for the state.

Senators say an outbreak could have serious consequences for producers, jobs, and the nation’s food supply.