Former USDA Secretary comments on federal Manhattan not functioning fully
Yahoo News
Last updated: August 25, 2026
A federal facility in Manhattan, Kansas, the National Bio-Agro Defense Facility (NBAF), has been a subject of concern for not being fully operational three years after its opening. Former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue has commented on these ongoing issues.
- The NBAF was designed to be a leading research facility for high-consequence livestock diseases. Its intended purpose includes safeguarding U.S. agriculture and improving animal health.
- Despite its advanced capabilities, reports indicate that the facility has faced significant challenges in achieving full operational status. This has led to discussions about its effectiveness and the investment made.
- Former USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, who oversaw the initial stages of the NBAF project, has expressed that the federal government is not fully utilizing the facility. He suggested that the facility's current operational level is not meeting expectations.
- The full operational capacity of the NBAF is crucial for its role in national biodefense and research. Delays or limitations in its functioning raise questions about the project's timeline and intended impact.
- The facility's development involved substantial federal investment and was envisioned as a key component of national biosecurity.
