Ernst Urges Vilsack to Strengthen Response to Avian Flu Outbreak
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is joining her colleagues in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other necessary agencies to provide public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date, and accurate information on the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1, particularly regarding the safety of the U.S. commercial milk or meat supply, and the risk to farmworker health.
“The spread of the strain to livestock, including goats and cattle, and a farmworker in Texas, underscores the urgency required to confront this outbreak through a collaborative federal response, heightened surveillance, and additional resources to support vaccine research,” wrote the lawmakers.
“As the wild bird migration continues this spring, we stand ready to work with you and department staff to contain and stop this outbreak and minimize harm to rural America,” they continued.
While Iowa’s last confirmed case of HPAI was in December 2023, strategic collaboration among relevant government agencies, animal disease experts, state officials, and human health professionals is critical for fostering a successful response to the ongoing outbreaks that threaten our dairy and poultry operations.
“Our poultry and egg farmers take their responsibility for caring for their hens very seriously and rely on healthy flocks for their livelihoods. High Path Avian Influenza can be devastating to many, so moving toward prevention and eradication is key. North Central Poultry Association appreciates the leadership and bipartisan work of Senators Ernst and Grassley, along with others across the country expressing support for further discussions, research, and collaborative efforts related to High Path Avian Influenza,” said Kevin Stiles, CEO and Executive Director of the North Central Poultry Association and Iowa Egg Council.
“The close working relationship between federal, state, and local agencies as well as industry partners has been so important in effectively battling this Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak over the past three years. While it remains a serious threat to poultry, this virus is also now impacting dairy cattle and we must be ready to tackle any challenge as this situation continues to evolve,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “For any disease threat, it is essential that we have a comprehensive, collaborative and coordinated preparedness and response plan that brings together the full capabilities and expertise of the relevant federal agencies as well as state, local, and industry partners. I appreciate the bi-partisan advocacy of Senators Ernst and Grassley as they work to ensure we have the tools and resources necessary to protect our public health as well as that of our farmers and the livestock and poultry they care for.”
“America's turkey farmers take great pride in raising healthy turkeys. The continued outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have personally impacted many family farmers. Senator Ernst’s request for a consortium to focus on mitigation strategies and a successful response to HPAI is urgently needed. The toll that highly pathogenic avian influenza has taken on the U.S. turkey industry and rural American farmers is growing. Farmers desire research-based answers to their questions and solutions for preventing future outbreaks in their flocks. Now is the time for new ideas, strategies, and responses to ensure Americans have a safe and abundant supply of nutritious turkey products,” said Gretta Irwin, Executive Director and Home Economist of the Iowa Turkey Federation and Iowa Turkey Marketing Council.
Read the letter here.
Background:
In May of 2023, Ernst joined a bipartisan effort to improve resources for animal disease preparedness, including HPAI, African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), which pose significant threats to Iowa’s agriculture.
In March of 2023, Ernst led a bipartisan bill to reinforce training for the “Beagle Brigade,” a class of dogs that sniff out cargo for unauthorized meat, animal byproducts, fruit, and vegetables that could carry potential diseases and pests onto U.S. soil.
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