Luján Urges Biden Administration to Stop the Spread of Avian Flu, Protect Dairy and Cattle Producers

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to expand a federal program to allow cattle producers to receive resources needed to stop the spread of the avian flu.

Highly Pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza remains a persistent threat to animal and human health, and the recent outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and one human case is concerning. While the milk supply is currently safe, New Mexico farmers should not have to bear the costs of preventing future pandemics alone. The current risk to human health is low, however, the federal government must act aggressively to stem the likelihood of future pandemics.

"The current H5N1 outbreak in cattle poses a particular challenge to small producers who manage diverse livestock operations. It is imperative that these producers possess the financial means to effectively quarantine affected livestock and undertake a thorough cleaning and disinfection process. These steps are crucial to halt viral spread to other animals, such as swine, and ultimately safeguard human health, but they are not without cost and risk," wrote Luján. "I urge the USDA to make available incentives for dairy cattle producers to enhance their readiness and capabilities in mitigating the spread of viruses with pandemic potential, similar to the approach USDA takes with poultry producers."

"Specifically, I urge that USDA expand the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Producer Indemnity and Compensation program, which is focused on eradicating and controlling foreign animal diseases, emerging diseases, and program diseases, to include dairy cattle and other mammals affected by avian influenza," Luján continued. "By extending the APHIS program to include dairy cattle and other impacted mammals, the U.S will significantly enhance our capacity to prevent the spread of this virus and further protect the health of Americans."

The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Becerra:

Thank you for continuing to work together to respond to the current outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza. Together, your work continues to protect the health of the American people, the sustainability of our agricultural markets, and the safety of our food supply.

H5N1 avian influenza remains a persistent threat to animal and human health. While avian influenza is endemic among birds globally, the recent outbreak in U.S. dairy cattle and one human case is concerning. Congress is tracking bovine H5N1 outbreaks in nine states, including eight impacted farms in New Mexico. Thanks in large part to the urgency of the U.S. Government's response, the current risk to human health is low. However, it is incumbent on the U.S Government to act aggressively to stem the likelihood of future pandemics. Our country's dairy and cattle producers are critical to this plan, but they should not bear the burden alone.

As you are likely aware, the current H5N1 outbreak in cattle poses a particular challenge to small producers who manage diverse livestock operations. It is imperative that these producers possess the financial means to effectively quarantine affected livestock and undertake a thorough cleaning and disinfection process. These steps are crucial to halt viral spread to other animals, such as swine, and ultimately safeguard human health, but they are not without cost and risk. To that end, I urge USDA to make available incentives for dairy cattle producers to enhance their readiness and capabilities in mitigating the spread of viruses with pandemic potential, similar to the approach USDA takes with poultry producers.

Specifically, I urge that USDA expand the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Producer Indemnity and Compensation program, which is focused on eradicating and controlling foreign animal diseases, emerging diseases, and program diseases, to include dairy cattle and other mammals affected by avian influenza. This expansion is vital for providing our farmers and ranchers with the certainty and resources needed to eradicate the virus effectively and maintain the integrity of our food supply and public health.

Thank you once again for your dedication to protecting human and animal health, as well as ensuring the safety and security of our food supply. By extending the APHIS program to include dairy cattle and other impacted mammals, the U.S will significantly enhance our capacity to prevent the spread of this virus and further protect the health of Americans.

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