Tuberville, Britt Send Letter to Secretary Rollins on Threats to Alabama’s Catfish Industry

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting that USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conduct a formal risk assessment to assess potential threats posed by Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV) to our domestic catfish industry.

YcCV is an emerging, highly contagious virus first identified during a period of widespread outbreaks in Chinese aquaculture operations in 2020. This virus is highly transmissible among catfish species and more importantly, emerging research has demonstrated that the virus can remain viable through the freezing and thawing process. This recent research development indicates that potential pathways for introduction to the domestic market could exist and an assessment to determine what these pathways look like is necessary.

"Emerging research indicates that YcCV is highly transmissible among catfish species and is associated with mortality rates approaching 90 percent in infected populations. The virus has demonstrated the ability to remain viable through freezing and thawing processes, creating a credible pathway for introduction to the domestic market via imported fish products. These characteristics present a serious biosecurity concern for global aquaculture and warrant immediate attention from U.S. regulators," wrote the Senators.

Joining Sens. Tuberville and Britt are Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Roger Wicker (R-MS) in signing the letter.

Read full text of the letter below or here.

"Dear Secretary Rollins and Under Secretary Hoskins,

We write to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to take prompt action to assess and mitigate the potential threat posed by Yellow Catfish Virus (YcCV), a recently identified pathogen documented in aquaculture operations in China, and Channel Catfish Virus.

Emerging research indicates that YcCV is highly transmissible among catfish species and is associated with mortality rates approaching 90 percent in infected populations. The virus has demonstrated the ability to remain viable through freezing and thawing processes, creating a credible pathway for introduction to the domestic market via imported fish products. These characteristics present a serious biosecurity concern for global aquaculture and warrant immediate attention from U.S. regulators.

In addition, Channel Catfish Virus (CCV), a known and highly pathogenic virus affecting catfish, underscores the broader vulnerability of the domestic industry to viral disease outbreaks. The existence of CCV within the U.S. highlights the importance of preventing the introduction of additional viral threats, such as YcCV, which could compound risks to fish health, production, and economic stability.

The domestic catfish industry is a critical component of the broader agriculture economy in the Southeast, supporting rural economies, providing jobs, and contributing to national food security. An outbreak of a highly pathogenic virus such as YcCV or CCV could have devastating economic and ecological consequences. We therefore respectfully request that APHIS prioritize a formal risk assessment of YcCV and CCV, including evaluation of potential pathways for entry, establishment, and spread within the United States. The mounting evidence surrounding YcCV and CCV underscores the need to ensure that emerging aquatic animal diseases receive appropriate attention and resources commensurate with their risk.

Along with conducting a risk assessment, we strongly encourage APHIS to adopt a precautionary, science-based approach that places the burden of proof on exporting countries. Exporters of Siluriformes products, including China, Vietnam, and other relevant trading partners, should be required to demonstrate that their products are free from YcCV and CCV prior to export to the United States. The obligation to ensure product safety should rest with exporters rather than U.S. regulators or domestic producers to prove the absence of risk.

We further urge APHIS to engage with international counterparts and trading partners to ensure that effective surveillance, biosecurity, and certification measures are in place to prevent the export of infected products. Countries exporting catfish and related species to the United States should demonstrate all necessary steps to detect, control, and eliminate the presence of YcCV and CCV in their aquaculture systems and processing chains.

Congress stands ready to work with APHIS and USDA to protect the health and viability of the domestic catfish industry. We look forward to your response outlining the steps APHIS will take to address this emerging threat and to ensure that appropriate safeguards are implemented.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,"

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

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