HPAI Testing Continues

There were reports that Minnesota’s avian testing was impacted by USDA’s suspension of grants in the state, but the federal government has provided assurances that no high path programs will be affected. “There have been a few nuanced issues that we have since corrected in regards to some of that funding,” explained Ashley Kohls, executive director, Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. “As of right now, the programs needed for high path avian influenza are not impacted.” This issue surfaced with an avian influenza case in Minnesota’s Meeker County. “Because of that case, we were able to identify that early issue where in that budget it was accidentally included in the places where things were paused, but now going forward, that issue has been fixed.” Kohls credits Minnesota Representatives Michelle Fischbach and Brad Finstad for their intervention in this funding issue.