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Turkey farmers describe losses from HPAI and urge grants for prevention; committee lays bill over
Summary
Turkey growers and farm board officials described high losses from highly pathogenic avian influenza and a more recent respiratory virus, urging continued funding for response and a new grant program to support preventive measures such as laser deterrents. Senate File 1839 was laid over for possible inclusion.
Turkey growers and public-health officials told the Senate agriculture committee Feb. 26 that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and a newly arrived respiratory virus have caused major flock losses and financial strain, and they urged lawmakers to fund prevention grants proposed in Senate File 1839.
The committee heard firsthand accounts and industry data that framed the bill which would appropriate resources to a program to provide grants to prevent the spread of avian influenzaas a response to ongoing disease pressure.
Why it matters: Testimony emphasized both the scale of recent commercial losses and the human toll on family farms. Witnesses said both federal indemnity and state response capacity matter, but biosecurity measures and supplemental technologies can reduce future losses.
Ashley Coles, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, told the committee…
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