Sioux City Times

HULL, IOWA — U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued a statement today following the confirmation of High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) cases in Northwest Iowa. The outbreak has affected over four million birds in Sioux County and two dairy farms in both Sioux and O’Brien counties.

"Confirmed reports of bird flu in Northwest Iowa are a serious concern for me, our producers, and our economy," said Feenstra. "Since last week, I’ve been in touch with Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, and the USDA to ensure that our producers have the support they need, and I applaud the quick response by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship."

Feenstra emphasized the importance of passing the Farm Bill this year to provide critical support for animal health initiatives aimed at preventing, mitigating, and responding to disease outbreaks such as bird flu and African Swine Fever.

"This crisis reveals exactly why we must pass the Farm Bill this year," he stated. "With nearly a quarter of the almost 100 million impacted birds being from Iowa, we don’t have time to wait. I’ll continue to work with Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig to find solutions and urge swift passage of the Farm Bill this year."

###