SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health announced the detection of H5N1 avian influenza in a Stearns County dairy herd. Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development Committee Chair Aric Putnam (DFL-St. Cloud), issued the following statement about the outbreak:
“While it is concerning to see the return of avian influenza in a dairy herd, this discovery underscores the critical need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to protect our farms and farmers. We should all thank the Minnesota Department of Agriculture for its swift action in addressing this outbreak.”
“The uncertainty around federal funds makes it even more important that we secure state resources to ensure the health and safety of Minnesota’s agriculture economy. The funds we allocated to test milk for avian influenza are vital in preventing further spread and protecting our dairy industry. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s quick action was essential to addressing the situation, but we must be prepared to support these long-term efforts.”
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Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. He serves on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and Taxes Committee.
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