Appearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on February 26th Tony Wesner representing Rose Acre Farms and the egg production segment of the industry advocated strongly for preventive vaccination against H5N1 avian influenza.
Acknowledging the potential restraints relating to export of broiler leg quarter, Wesner stated, “I can’t understand why we all cannot get together with those countries and figure this out, so we don’t ruin trade.” He added, “Vaccination is a serious consideration for HPAI not only for the egg industry but also the turkey and dairy industries which have been effected by the virus.”
Wesner noted that the loss of producing hens will be reflected in lower supplies and higher prices for some time to come, conflicting with the dministration initiative to reduce food inflation.
Wesner was supported in his advocacy for vaccination by the National Turkey Federation whose membership has been impacted by H5N1 avian influenza.