By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has urged the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promptly address the current avian flu outbreak affecting dairy cattle. This action follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent revelation of the virus's presence in pasteurized milk.
Senator Baldwin has called upon USDA Secretary Vilsack to swiftly deploy additional resources aimed at containing the disease's spread. Her proposed measures include conducting public education sessions, collaborating with farmers to enhance biosecurity practices, and supplying ongoing disease exposure trends and educational materials. These efforts aim to safeguard Wisconsin dairy farmers, producers, and consumers.
Senator Baldwin emphasized the significance of Wisconsin's dairy industry, which not only sustains numerous well-paying jobs but also drives rural economies and provides nutritious products globally. She stressed the necessity for a robust federal response to combat this outbreak effectively, prevent further virus transmission, and reassure consumers of the safety measures being implemented.
Although no cases have been reported in Wisconsin, the virus has been detected in other states, including Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, and Texas. To address potential outbreaks, individuals in Wisconsin can report suspected impacted herds through designated channels.
While acknowledging USDA's recent actions to mitigate the virus's spread, Senator Baldwin advocates for additional measures to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to the avian flu outbreak in dairy cattle. Her appeal underscores the critical importance of protecting the dairy industry's integrity and the health of both producers and consumers across Wisconsin and beyond. The full letter is available here.
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Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy