Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on FDA Avian Flu Testing Cuts and Farm Support

FDA Cuts to Avian Flu Testing

• 🎯 Governor Shapiro expressed concern over the FDA's cancellation of its milk testing program for high path avian influenza.
• ⚠️ He stated that these federal cuts make it harder for poultry farmers and increase the likelihood of the virus spreading.
• 🗣️ Shapiro directly communicated his concerns to Secretary Rollins, urging against these cuts, but they were unfortunately made.

Pennsylvania's Poultry Farmer Support Fund

• 💰 Pennsylvania has established a $62 million fund to support poultry farmers whose flocks are wiped out by avian influenza.
• 🛡️ This fund is intended to help mitigate the worst-case scenarios and support farmers during crises.
• 🔑 The best way to prevent these worst-case scenarios is through robust testing and isolation of affected flocks.

Bipartisan Call for Federal Investment

• 🤝 Shapiro highlighted that addressing avian influenza should not be a partisan issue, emphasizing the need for federal support for all states.
• 📉 He warned that rolling back federal investments previously made in rural communities will make it difficult to sustain state-level support long-term.

Farmland Preservation Support

• 🏞️ Acknowledgment was given to the farmland preservation program and its importance in securing land for food production.
• 👍 Support for this program from county commissioners and the Department of Agriculture was appreciated.