The coalition wrote: "America’s livestock and poultry producers, in concert with veterinarians, work hard to ensure the health of the animals they raise.

"They play a central role in not only providing nutritious food for families across the US, but also in creating jobs and contributing to our country’s economic stability.

"That’s why producers and veterinarians agree that one of our greatest priorities must be to lessen the impact of devastating animal diseases with a one-of-a-kind programme that will strengthen our ability to rapidly identify and respond to them.

"We are pleased that the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report recognises this need and provides mandatory funding for research into animal health and diseases as well as measures to help the animal agriculture industry act quickly when concerns are identified.

"This investment in animal health is a good start and will help ensure that the industry is better prepared now and into the future – simply put, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

"We thank Chairman Conaway, Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Peterson and Ranking Member Stabenow, as well as their teams, for their dedicated efforts to deliver the Conference Report.

"Providing greater certainty to the animal agriculture industry by putting a functioning plan in place to address potential issues is critically important.

"We applaud Congress for moving quickly to pass the Farm Bill Conference Report and send it to President Trump to be signed into law before the end of the year."

To find out further details on the coalition of animal agriculture groups that signed the letter, please click here