SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Rep. David Bly spoke with Minnesota Board of Animal Health officials about the health of Minnesota’s poultry flocks. There haven’t been any reported outbreaks of avian influenza, but board officials said “spring is one of the peak flu seasons and an outbreak could happen any day.” Board of Animal Health staff learned a great deal responding to last year’s outbreak. They remain vigilant and are prepared, both staff-wise and funding wise, for any outbreaks over this spring, fall or into next year.
“I’m glad that we haven’t seen any avian influenza outbreaks like the one that devastated our turkey flocks last year,” remarked Rep. Bly. “The funding we provided last year is vital to the Board of Animal Health’s continued ability to respond to any influenza outbreaks this year and next. If we had another outbreak and that funding wasn’t available, it would likely require a special session to address the problem."
Last year, Minnesota’s nation leading turkey industry faced a devastating outbreak of the H5N2 avian influenza virus. Rep. David Bly authored the initial legislation responding to that emergency. Highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks are a continued threat to Minnesota’s turkey production.
Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield) is the DFL-Lead on the Agriculture Policy Committee.
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