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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 depopulation protocols to limit spread; rapid depopulation within about 24 hours of detection is the agency’s stated goal to interrupt transmission.
The agency asked for funding to replenish a disease-response fund and to purchase a second foamer, an additional response trailer (estimated $95,000) and replacement laptops for field staff. Dr. Watson said a foamer bought last year proved inadequate for a 10-house broiler operation and that “one foamer is not enough,” so the agency requests an additional unit. The agency also requested funds for enhanced personal protective equipment for responders and salary progression funds to compensate livestock inspectors who now perform depopulation work.
Dr. Watson told the committee that USDA cooperative agreements historically reimbursed portions of outbreak response — overtime, personnel and consumables — but that USDA has reduced cooperative agreement amounts and does not reimburse equipment purchases. “USDA last year cut all of our cooperative agreement amounts to the states, by about 7 or 8%,” Dr. Watson said. The agency therefore anticipates not receiving enough federal reimbursement to replenish equipment and capital costs.
Committee members questioned whether the current response fund balance would cover recent outbreaks. Dr. Watson said the agency was still closing out costs from two recent breakouts but estimated the fund balance to be “about $250,000” and that current requests aim to avoid a deficit appropriation if further outbreaks occur.
Dr. Watson and committee members also discussed human health interactions and animal reservoirs. He noted the virus has been detected in dairy cows and some marine mammals and that certain strains have caused human infections, typically conjunctivitis. He said pasteurization renders milk safe and emphasized standard hygiene precautions for consumers and workers.
Ending: The committee asked for clarification of the specific capital and replenishment figures; Dr. Watson said he would provide documentation and the agency acknowledged USDA reimbursement limitations for equipment purchases.
