WASHINGTON, D.C. – One day after requesting emergency assistance for poultry and egg producers whose flocks were hit with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 infections, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) yesterday granted Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack authority to issue emergency assistance for poultry and egg producers whose flocks were hit with the virus.
U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership Wednesday called for emergency assistance to be distributed to producers. Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Members Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., sent a letter to OMB. Click here to read the letter.
The virus has spread to 14 states and affected more than 100 farms, resulting in the depopulation of 15 million birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“I applaud OMB for recognizing the urgency and gravity of this situation,” said Roberts. “I’m glad these producers who suffered significant losses will get the assistance they need to help them move forward and begin rebuilding. I also applaud poultry and egg producers for proactively doing everything within their power to protect the health of their flocks.”
“As I have said before: America’s farmers and ranchers, I’ve got your back. If it’s up to me, this kind of cooperation in Washington will continue for the sake of rural America.”