State veterinarian, agriculture officials describe ongoing bird flu response and discuss indemnity, vaccines and trade risks

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 described three action items developed with national counterparts and state officials: establishment of a standing national bird‑flu response plan, review of indemnity mechanisms for heavily affected producers, and development of a vaccine strategy. He said Secretary Rollins had publicly acknowledged those priorities at a recent meeting.

Why it matters: Officials said the outbreak has depressed producer incomes and driven egg prices higher, with large depopulations of layers and vulnerable pasture‑raised flocks. They cautioned that vaccination strategies require careful consideration because they can affect international trade.

Key points from the hearing

- Scale and economic effect: Commissioner Hatcher called the situation affecting egg layers “millions and millions of birds” and said recent depopulations have pushed egg prices up. He also noted the broader economic footprint of Tennessee’s poultry and poultry genetics industries.

- Indemnity and federal role: Committee members asked how the state would respond if federal indemnity or testing support were reduced. Dr. Beatty and department leaders said Tennessee relies on federal cooperative agreements for indemnity and testing reimbursement; when federal support is paused or limited the state has had to use other emergency funding and contingency approaches.

- Vaccination and trade risks: Officials said vaccination is being examined as a tool, but that a vaccination strategy must account for international trade implications. Andy Holt said Tennessee and state counterparts are evaluating vaccines but that use of vaccines can complicate export markets.

- Backyard flocks and outreach: Beatty described the emotional and practical challenges of backyard flock depopulations and said state programs provide testing, voluntary participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan and outreach to small producers. She said the department will work to provide testing and education for backyard producers and commercial operations.

What members asked and officials’ responses

Members pressed for contingency planning if federal funds were cut. Beatty said federal indemnity remains important and that the state has sought ways to access emergency funds when federal support is constrained. Holt and Hatcher said the federal government’s engagement is key and that the department is participating in national planning with USDA and other states.

Ending

Officials said they expect the virus to remain a long‑term challenge and emphasized coordination with USDA on indemnity and vaccine planning. No formal policy change or vote was recorded at the hearing; department officials emphasized the need for federal‑state coordination and for developing additional response tools.