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State veterinarian, agriculture officials describe ongoing bird flu response and discuss indemnity, vaccines and trade risks
Summary
During the March 3 Finance, Ways and Means hearing, state veterinarians and agriculture leaders said avian influenza has caused millions of bird losses, is affecting egg prices and that federal indemnity, testing and vaccine strategy are central to the response; they urged coordination with USDA and noted trade consequences.
State agriculture officials and the Tennessee state veterinarian outlined an ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) response during the Finance, Ways and Means hearing on March 3, telling lawmakers the outbreak has caused large depopulations, disrupted markets and is prompting discussions about indemnity and vaccine strategies.
State veterinarian Dr. Samantha Beatty told the committee the agency has been working on bird flu response “pretty much nonstop” since early 2022 and said infections have affected backyard and commercial flocks. "It has been, pretty much nonstop with the bird flu response since early 2022," she said. Beatty said the disease’s spread through migratory waterfowl and changing viral genetics complicate detection, response and prevention measures.
Deputy Commissioner Andy Holt and Commissioner Hatcher said federal funding, indemnity and a national strategy are central concerns. Holt…
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