HPAI Turkey Losses Surge in December

As 2022 draws to a close, HPAI turkey losses have surged in recent days. In the last week, turkey cases have been posted in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri and Indiana with nearly one million turkeys lost. In total, 217 turkey cases have posted since February with nearly 10 million turkeys lost. Other commercial cases have also been reported raising the total to 301 commercial flocks affected. As winter weather sets in across the country, NTF urges all industry members to remain vigilant of this ongoing threat. Please contact our team if you need assistance.

 

NTF is aware that last week Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) introduced legislation called the Transparency in Depopulation Act (H.R. 9552) that would prevent federal funding from being used for ventilation shutdown (VSD) and ventilation shutdown plus (VSD+). It is important to keep in mind that this legislation will not move forward before the end of the year and the end of the congressional session and has very little likelihood of being signed into law in the future. However, it will almost certainly be reintroduced in the new year and serve as a topic of discussion and interest among animal rights organizations and legislators who largely oppose and/or do not understand animal agriculture. NTF understands the importance of access to these depopulation methods and will continue to advocate on behalf of industry use. If you receive inquiries regarding this legislation or have questions, please contact Leslee Oden.