Senator Murdock supports new pandemic research center

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, voiced his support for the new public health laboratory and the Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (OPCIE) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater. He said the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of such a facility to prepare Oklahoma for future pandemic or bioterrorism responses.

“I think my district is a perfect example of how a pandemic can not only impact public health, but agriculture, including livestock production, particularly in terms of food availability. OSU has advanced degrees and cuttingedge research in the areas of public health, animal health and agriculture, so I believe investing in a new public

lab and OPCIE at OSU makes perfect sense,” Murdock said. “This investment is vital for not only my district, but our entire state. Unified preparedness and response for animal and public health is crucial for farmers and ranchers producing livestock and for all Oklahoma families. We need tools in place to help keep our meat and food processors operating.”

Murdock represents Senate District 27, which includes the panhandle and is home to Seaboard Foods in Guymon, representing six percent of the nation’s pork processing capacity.

“Agriculture is the backbone of District 27, which is home to significant livestock production and one of the nation’s largest pork processing facilities,” Murdock said. “I look forward to collaboration and improved resources for animal and public health that will protect the health of citizens and support our food chain to keep them fed.”

For more information, email Casey.Murdock@oksenate.gov.