By Jamie Martin
As the avian flu outbreak worsens, Senator Tammy Baldwin is urging immediate government action to protect farmers and consumers. The outbreak has affected over 22 million birds in the last 30 days, leading to a dramatic rise in egg prices, with wholesale costs reaching $8 per dozen.
Baldwin has been a strong advocate for addressing the crisis. “The number of avian flu detections, and increases in egg prices, are far surpassing previous records and will not slow down anytime soon unless your Administration commits to a robust response,” she said.
She has previously pushed for stronger biosecurity measures and federal resources to combat avian flu. In early 2024, Baldwin urged the government to deploy additional resources to contain the virus in poultry and dairy farms. She also called on agencies like the USDA, CDC, and FDA to provide clear updates and support farmers facing uncertainty.
Baldwin emphasized that effective communication is key to preventing further outbreaks. “The CDC and USDA, specifically, should prioritize communicating and deploying resources to farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians to strengthen biosecurity measures that protect workers and livestock,” she stated.
The avian flu outbreak remains a serious concern, threatening the poultry industry and food affordability. Baldwin’s call for action underscores the need for immediate intervention to safeguard farmers, workers, and consumers from further disruptions.
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Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National