Valley Congressman David Valadao co-authors a bill that addresses detection of the avian influenza virus also known as H5N1 in dairy cattle.
So far the virus has infected dairy cattle in more than a dozen state, but none in California.
Valadao says it’s important to stay proactive to ensure dairy cattle and the workers who interact with these animals on a daily basis remain healthy.
He goes on to say this bill brings avian influenza research to the forefront and better equips the industry to deal with these kinds of diseases.
Among the things the bill calls for, prioritize efforts under USDA’S Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.
The bill also directs the USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to create a dairy biosecurity education and training program.
