Casey Pushes for Appropriate Investment to Guard Against Avian Flu As Outbreak Concerns Persist

Press Release

With Lancaster County home to more laying hens than any other county in the nation, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has called on the Senate Appropriations Committee to include appropriate resources for diagnosing and preparing for Avian flu in its upcoming funding bill. Congress will soon determine funding for key agencies like the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) that performs key diagnostic work and preparedness programs that help producers and public health officials manage instances of Avian flu. H5 viruses have impacted commercial poultry production in 13 states resulting in a loss of 21 million birds and putting 52,000 family farms at risk. Adequate investment in preparedness and diagnostics is critical for communities and family farms that contribute to Pennsylvania's economy.

Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the Nation for egg-laying hens. Prior to the current outbreak in the Midwest, the largest domestic outbreak of avian flu occurred in 1983-1984 in the mid-Atlantic, severely affecting Pennsylvania. In the Commonwealth, 17 million birds died or had to be destroyed, at a loss of $65 million, and caused retail egg prices to increase by more than 30 percent. Over 15 months, the virus spread to four states and led to an 11-month quarantine that covered all of Lancaster County, as well as parts of Berks and Chester Counties.

"H5 viruses can have a significant impact on agricultural producers and our state's economy," Senator Casey said. "As the Appropriations Committee moves forward it's important that the appropriate resources for diagnostics and preparedness be in place."

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