Submit Comments
The Secure Milk Supply Technical Committee is accepting comments through Dec. 20 on the proposed draft of the 2025 Secure Milk Supply Plan for Continuity of Business. Producers, cooperatives, processors, milk haulers, state and federal animal health officials, dairy regulatory personnel and other dairy industry stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback on the proposed draft by completing the form below.
For questions, please contact smsinfo@iastate.edu.
About the Secure Milk Supply
The Secure Milk Supply (SMS) Plan for Continuity of Business was last updated in 2017. It was focused on preparedness and response for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and only addressed the movement of raw milk to processing (commerce). The NMPF received funding from the USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (NADPRP) to form a Technical Committee consisting of a diverse group of industry, state, federal and academic partners to review and propose updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of the SMS Plan?
The benefit is realized in a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak when raw milk from healthy animals is able to move to processing. Preparing ahead of time rather than during the chaos of an outbreak benefits the animals and those involved in the dairy industry.
Where can I get more information about foot and mouth disease (FMD)?
- FMD affects cloven-hooved animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats.
- FMD is not a public health or food safety concern.
- Meat and milk are safe to eat and drink.
- More information is available on the SMS Disease Information page and on the Foot and Mouth Disease Info website.
What measures in the SMS Plan will be required by my processor, state or the federal government?
The SMS Plan provides guidance only with opportunities to voluntarily prepare before a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. Each state can determine what guidance to use. Contact your State Animal Health Official to discuss what might be required in an outbreak.
Do all states follow the SMS Plan?
Some States are conducting audits or pre-certification prior to a foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreak. This may involve visiting the operation, reviewing the enhanced biosecurity plan, and discussing milk movement on and off the operation. Contact your State Animal Health Official to ask if auditing or pre-certification is being done.