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Ernst, Iowa delegation ask USDA for updates on H5N1 research

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says she’s concerned about the continued cases of H5N1 Influenza A in dairy cattle.

“If it passes onto dairy cattle, once that milk has been pasteurized we’re not seeing any cause for concern with the milk, but we need to do a lot more research.”

The Iowa Republican tells Brownfield the USDA needs to help fill outstanding research and response gaps. “I am really concerned about making sure we are focused on disease research within the USDA.”

Ernst says the agency needs to act immediately due to the unprecedented spread of the virus in dairy cattle. “I am hoping we can get to the crux of this issue and figure out how to mitigate or prevent it in the future.”

In a recent letter to USDA, a group of lawmakers from Iowasaid resources are necessary for impacted farmers.