A second HPAI outbreak in a week infected nearly 103,000 turkeys at an Iowa facility, following an earlier outbreak at an egg facility with 4.2 million hens. Governor Kim Reynolds is urging USDA to expedite the approval process for animal vaccines.
She cites the significant threat posed by diseases to the state’s ag industry. Reynolds also stressed the need for prompt action to safeguard livestock and poultry operations.
Senator Chuck Grassley echoed Reynolds’ concerns, emphasizing the pivotal role of effective vaccine deployment. He added the issue affects the ag industry as a whole.
“Well, I think when it comes to policy in Washington, DC., it’s the amount of money that’s available for the government to buy it and get it distributed. And I think it’s a laboratory at Plumber Island, if I’m right. Does that ring a bell with you? Anyway? It’s the appropriations for that where this stuff, presumably is stored and distributed from. And the extent to which that’s a major issue. I would back up what the Governor has said and then in turn, I suppose when it comes to appropriation time, see that there’s enough money available to carry out what the Governor wants. But it’s not just a problem for all of agriculture.”
However, there is still concern vaccines would further harm exports. When it comes to animals like birds, poultry health officials doubt vaccines would be realistic given flock sizes here the United States.
