USDA rolled out a new strategy for High-Path Avian Flu this week, and it has largely been met with industry support.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst backs the move but says any future action needs to be rooted in science.
“We’ve got to figure this out, and we have to make sure that there’s research behind it and proper science to help inhibit that spread.”
Senator Ernst is also putting an emphasis on updating indemnity payments, making the system more consistent and fair. She says outdated policies have led to issues making it harder for farmers to recover.
Related Stories
A smaller U.S. turkey flock and resurgent avian flu have tightened supplies, driving prices higher even as other key holiday foods show mixed trends.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI) cases are rising. In the last week, seven commercial turkey, duck, and egg layer flocks were culled across five Midwest states and California.
While there has been an increase in outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this migration season, the CDC says the public health risk is low.
Approximately 42,000 birds were affected in the outbreak, officials said.
AFBF Economist Bearnt Nelson joins us with insights into current turkey flock sizes, HPAI concerns, and production impacts on holiday demand.
Farmers may benefit from higher turkey prices this holiday season, but risks from HPAI and limited poult placements could further strain the supply.
