Sen. Ernst Stresses Devastating Harm of Avian Flu on Iowa Farm Families and Communities at Senate Ag Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee hearing entitled, “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: The Impact on the U.S. Poultry Sector and Protecting U.S. Poultry Flocks,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) highlighted the devastating harm that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as the bird flu, has had on farmers across Iowa and the Midwest. 

During the first panel, Senator Ernst asked Dr. John R. Clifford, Deputy Administrator to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about processes put in place to assist producers affected by the bird flu in the state of Iowa.

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As part of the second panel, Senator Ernst introduced Chairman of the Board of United Egg Producers and Iowa farmer Mr. James Dean of Sioux Center, who testified alongside Iowa turkey farmer Mr. Brad Moline of Moline Farms in Manson.

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Senator Ernst asked Mr. Dean and Mr. Moline what APHIS can improve going forward, as well as what producers could do to help address any potential, future situation.

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The hearing occurred at the request of Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ernst who urged Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) to hold a hearing to review the federal government’s response to the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

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