U.S. House Proposes Bill to Boost Dairy Farm Biosecurity Against Avian Influenza
Source: The DairyNews
In a significant move to bolster biosecurity in the dairy sector, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the U.S. House aiming to enhance resources for dairy farmers affected by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Spearheaded by Michigan Democrat Elissa Slotkin and California Republican David Valadao, the legislation, dubbed the Avian Influenza Research and Response Act, seeks to provide comprehensive support measures for the industry.
Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, emphasized to Brownfield the bill’s broad scope, noting its focus on prioritizing research to mitigate the spread of HPAI across the country. Furthermore, the bill aims to solidify USDA regulations through legislation, ensuring dairy producers can receive compensation for lost milk production due to the viral infection.
According to Slotkin’s office, the bill would establish a Dairy Biosecurity Education and Training program, analogous to the poultry sector’s Defend the Flock Resource Center managed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This initiative would complement existing efforts like the National Milk Producer Federation's Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, enhancing preventative measures against the disease.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent developments in Michigan, where the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the state’s 27th case of HPAI in a dairy herd in Van Burean County. Michigan ranks third in the U.S. for the number of reported cases, trailing only behind Colorado and Idaho.
Chuck Lippstreu, President of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, emphasized to Brownfield the bill’s broad scope, noting its focus on prioritizing research to mitigate the spread of HPAI across the country. Furthermore, the bill aims to solidify USDA regulations through legislation, ensuring dairy producers can receive compensation for lost milk production due to the viral infection.
According to Slotkin’s office, the bill would establish a Dairy Biosecurity Education and Training program, analogous to the poultry sector’s Defend the Flock Resource Center managed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This initiative would complement existing efforts like the National Milk Producer Federation's Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program, enhancing preventative measures against the disease.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by recent developments in Michigan, where the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the state’s 27th case of HPAI in a dairy herd in Van Burean County. Michigan ranks third in the U.S. for the number of reported cases, trailing only behind Colorado and Idaho.
