New Legislation to Combat Avian Flu

I want to talk to you about a new bipartisan bill I’ve introduced to address the ongoing outbreak of avian flu in dairy cattle, which includes detections here in Michigan. It’s called the Avian Influenza and Research and Response Act and it would ensure farmers are prepared and protected as we combat avian flu.

I’ve heard directly from Michigan farmers on the forefront of this outbreak about how it has been disrupting their operations and threatening their livelihoods, and this legislation is drawn directly from those conversations.

The Avian Influenza and Research and Response Act would:

• Require the Department of Agriculture to create a biosecurity education and training program for dairy producers.
• Prioritize avian flu research.
• Codify in law compensation for dairy farmers whose milk production has suffered due to avian influenza.

Food security is national security, so it’s critical that we take action to protect dairy cattle, ensure the integrity of our milk supply, and support our farmers. As we continue to combat avian flu, I’ll be working closely with state, local, and federal officials to mitigate the effects of its spread.

– Rep. Elissa Slotkin