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State veterinarian warns bird-flu threat persists; requests replenishment of disease-response fund and more equipment
Summary
State Veterinarian Dr. Watson told the committee avian influenza remains a sustained threat; the department seeks capital for a response trailer, an additional foamer, laptops and personnel progression funds, and said USDA reimbursements will not cover equipment purchases.
State Veterinarian Dr. Watson told the Appropriations Subcommittee that avian influenza remains active in wild and domestic animals and that the agency requests replenishment of its disease-response fund and capital equipment to sustain rapid depopulation and response capacity.
Dr. Watson said the recent 2024–2025 wave originated with a Pacific Coast strain and that the virus is “not going to anytime soon get rid of the virus.” He described the disease as highly contagious in commercial layer operations where, he said, once introduced it can spread rapidly through a facility. The veterinarian explained that when a commercial flock tests positive, USDA and the department follow…
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