Topeka ? A proposal by Gov. Sam Brownback to merge the Kansas Animal Health Department into another agency has drawn the opposition of the Kansas Livestock Association.

“The current structure of the Kansas Animal Health Department has fostered stability, regulatory certainty and direct accountability to our state’s livestock producers for over 90 years,” said KLA President Ken Grecian.

The animal health department’s mission is to control the spread of infectious diseases that affect livestock and domestic animals.

As a cost-cutting move, Brownback has proposed eliminating or merging eight state agencies. Under his plan, the animal health department would be placed within the Kansas Department of Agriculture, which is led by a Cabinet secretary appointed by the governor. The board that governs the animal health department would become advisory.

“How can we be assured political appointees in the future will serve our industry as well as the current structure?,” Grecian asked.

Brownback has said the proposed move would save $192,083 in state funding by reducing the number of positions and through other efficiencies.