Lawmakers say bird flu funds needs to be expeditiously utilized
Lawmakers say bird flu funds needs to be expeditiously utilized
In the wake of the unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza, a bipartisan group of lawmakers called on USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to quickly disseminate funds Congress recently allocated to limit the impact of the outbreak.
Through the appropriations bill passed at the end of the year, Congress allocated over $64 million for improving avian health and included guidance directing APHIS to coordinate proactively with state animal health officials to mitigate the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Additionally, Congress directed APHIS to increase outreach and engagement with poultry producers to educate them on how to proactively halt further spread.
A letter led by Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., says, “It is imperative the agency quickly deploy additional resources and work with the states in improving biosecurity measures within the avian supply chain, including the disinfection of sites and the testing and quarantining of affected flocks.”
Comments
Post a Comment