Sioux City Times

Last week, U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Don Davis (D-NC) led a group of their House Agriculture Committee colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. The letter calls on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Strategic Initiative aimed at combating the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as "Bird Flu," both in Iowa and nationwide.

The proposed HPAI Strategic Initiative would be housed within the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

“Out of the more than 100 million birds that have been affected by HPAI across 48 states since this outbreak began in 2022, nearly 25% have been in Iowa – devastating producers, destroying flocks, and impacting entire communities. The financial impact of this crisis is also projected to easily surpass the $3.3 billion in damages from the previous outbreak from 2014 to 2015. That’s why I’m calling on Secretary Vilsack to establish a HPAI Strategic Initiative within APHIS to investigate enhanced biosecurity measures, explore potential vaccination efforts, and discover more efficient and cost-sensitive ways to destroy infected birds. This initiative will ultimately save taxpayer dollars by establishing a proactive approach to mitigate, prevent, and respond to HPAI outbreaks,” said Rep. Feenstra.

Feenstra emphasized the importance of bringing together experts to address this issue: “Bringing the brightest minds together to combat this disease will be crucial to the long-term success of our producers, businesses, and rural communities. The uncertainty that HPAI causes to the entire agricultural community is unsustainable, and we need to be doing more to adequately protect our flocks."

The lawmakers further noted: “We believe that this deadly and costly disease requires a new, dynamic approach to bring long-lasting benefits to our farmers and producers. Therefore, we urge you to establish a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Strategic Initiative within USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Unprecedented times require action, and establishing an initiative that brings the brightest minds together to discover effective methods to combat HPAI will be essential to eventually eradicate this disease and protect our farmers.”

They outlined several main objectives for the research:

1. Advanced biosecurity measures and wild bird deterrents: Developing innovative biosecurity methods is crucial for preventing future HPAI outbreaks.

2. Vaccination: Prioritizing research on vaccine traceability, efficacy, and development without disrupting international trade or damaging relationships with foreign trading partners.

3. Efficient depopulation methods and bird disposal processes: Finding humane ways for depopulating infected flocks will help producers respond effectively.

The full letter can be found HERE.