State Representative John Burkel describes this as band-aid funding to offset the cost of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza testing supplies and equipment for the veterinary diagnostics lab. “That emergency preparedness response fund had dropped under $400,000 and the state thought they would mow through that quickly,” said Burkel. “My hope is that the spread of HPAI slows down, but the cooler weather isn’t helping us.” The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s full emergency funding request was $4.5 million. Burkel, a turkey grower from Badger, said the MDA will be able to get the rest of the money if lawmakers can reach an agreement. “I think everyone understands the gravity of the situation. The faster we respond, the better.”
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