St. Paul- The Minnesota House of Representatives declared an urgency, suspending the rules Thursday to take up legislation (HF 2225) providing emergency funds to the Department of Agriculture and Board of Animal Health in order to better prevent and respond to the avian influenza outbreak that has devastated Minnesota turkey flocks. The House of Representatives voted unanimously in favor of this measure.
To date, 14 counties in Minnesota have been affected by avian influenza including Ottertail, Roseau, Kandiyohi, Stearns, Cottonwood, Lac Qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lyon, Meeker, Nobles, Pope, Redwood, Swift and Watonwan.
“We have a significant amount of turkey farmers in our community,” said Rep. Steve Green (R-Fosston). “I am pleased we were able to act quickly to address the avian flu crisis in our state with emergency funds.”
The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committees held a joint hearing Thursday morning to receive an update on the avian influenza response and management.
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