U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) on July 26 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that aims to address the nation’s ongoing detection of highly pathogenic avian flu in dairy cattle.
“As a dairyman, I’ve been closely following this situation since the first case of avian influenza was detected in U.S. dairy cattle,” Rep. Valadao said. “While no cases have been detected in California, it’s important that we stay proactive to ensure dairy cattle and the workers who interact with these animals on a daily basis remain healthy.”
The Avian Influenza Research and Response Act, H.R. 9182, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), would prioritize highly pathogenic avian influenza research under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) competitive grant program, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
“This bill brings avian influenza research to the forefront and better equips the industry to deal with these kinds of diseases,” said the congressman. “I’m thankful to Rep. Slotkin’s work on this critical issue for dairy farmers across the country.”
Additionally, H.R. 9182 would codify in law a recent USDA rulemaking that allows for dairy producers to be compensated for loss of milk production due to avian influenza infection, and would direct the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish a Dairy Biosecurity Education and Training program, according to the bill’s text.
“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,” said Rep. Slotkin. “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.”
H.R. 9182 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.