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Ernst Works with USDA to Fight HPAI, Protect Iowa Poultry Farmers

WASHINGTON – Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, are working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide a roadmap and enhance the agency’s response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). They led their colleagues in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the USDA outlining solutions they can collaborate on as the administration responds to the outbreak.  

“The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation,” the lawmakers wrote. “We stand ready to work with you as you provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the department has ever dealt with.”

“It’s crucial to highlight the impact of avian influenza (HPAI) on Iowa’s turkey farmers. The 260,800 turkeys lost in 2024 and the current outbreak in 2025 emphasize the ongoing threat this virus poses to the Iowa turkey industry. Senator Ernst’s leadership in bringing attention to this issue is vital. A stronger focus on H5Nx vaccinations could help reduce the risk and spread of HPAI, giving farmers more tools to prevent and manage outbreaks. This kind of action will be key to safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers and the broader agricultural economy in Iowa,” said Gretta Irwin, Executive Director, Iowa Turkey Federation.

“Poultry and egg farmers across Iowa are working diligently to navigate the challenges posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), but they can’t face this growing problem alone. We applaud Senator Ernst for her continued leadership in ensuring producers have the tools they need to slow the spread of HPAI. She has been a steadfast partner in protecting the livelihoods of our farmers and safeguarding our food supply throughout this ongoing outbreak,” said Dr. Craig Rowles, North Central Poultry Association President and Bruce Dooyema, Iowa Egg Council President.

In the letter, the senators proposed:

  • A forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys;
  • Outreach to partners overseas to protect and maintain international trade;
  • The establishment of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage with industry experts and develop methods for prevention and response;
  • Support for states using the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy;
  • Ensuring auditors are both in place and qualified to carry out biosecurity assessments; and
  • Revising indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets to accurately compensate impacted producers.

Read the full letter here, which was supported by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), David McCormick (R-Pa.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and led by Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) in the House.

Background:

Ernst has long been a champion of foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts including the bipartisan Animal Disease and Disaster Prevention, Surveillance, and Rapid Response Act and her Beagle Brigade Act, which was recently signed into law.

Following the increase in HPAI outbreaks in both Iowa poultry flocks and dairy herds, she has also worked to hold federal agencies accountable to provide public and state agencies with coordinated, up-to-date, and accurate information on the spread of HPAI.

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