HARRISBURG – Berks County Sen. Judy Schwank provided an update on PA’s response to the ongoing surge in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza cases. PA currently has the highest number of avian influenza cases in the nation, and state officials are working aggressively to combat the spread. Schwank, who co-chairs the PA Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, said when a flock is lost to this virus, it is not just a business setback. It’s personally and financially devastating for the farmers. Schwank said she remains in close communication with the PA Department of Agriculture and is staying up to date on the issue. She adds that at this juncture, strict bio-security is key to stopping the spread of avian influenza. Commercial producers are taking extraordinary precautions and backyard poultry hobbyists must play a role as well. Anyone with a backyard flock should closely monitor their birds for signs of illness and report suspected cases immediately to the Department of Agriculture. PA is the only state in the nation with a dedicated avian influenza recovery fund. The program has served as a lifeline for farms that have lost a portion of their flock or needed to make bio-security improvements. Applications for the latest round of funding close April 30.
SEN. JUDY SCHWANK