Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra from Hull, Iowa, has taken a significant step in addressing the ongoing outbreak of High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) by leading a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. The letter calls for enhanced efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to manage and resolve the crisis affecting poultry and dairy producers nationwide.

Feenstra, joined by 22 other congressional members, is advocating for an aggressive vaccination strategy for affected species, the creation of an HPAI Strategic Initiative to improve research and response methods, and movement controls applicable to all animals posing a disease risk.

A companion letter was led in the U.S. Senate by Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa.

“Representing the top egg-producing district in the country, it is a top priority for me to get the bird flu outbreak under control, support our producers as they work to repopulate their flocks, and bring egg prices down for our families," said Rep. Feenstra. "That’s why I led a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins asking that the USDA do everything possible to address this crisis."

The lawmakers emphasize support for measures proposed by egg and turkey farmers who have suffered HPAI outbreaks. These measures include acquiring vaccine stockpiles, conducting field trials of vaccines, developing practical methods of vaccine administration, and ensuring trading partners understand and adhere to international standards regarding vaccines.

An HPAI Strategic Initiative is proposed to involve experts from industry, universities, and government in expanding knowledge and developing new prevention methods. Movement controls are suggested for all animals presenting risks with support for states advancing through initial stages of USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy.

Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, stated: “Accelerated development of effective H5N1 vaccines for dairy cattle...is a top priority for the U.S. dairy industry.”

The full text of the letter can be accessed online.