H.R. 2868: Supporting Avian Virus Eradication Act

This bill, known as the Supporting Avian Virus Eradication Act or SAVE Our Poultry Act, aims to enhance research and resource allocation related to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Key points of the bill include:

1. Designation of HPAI as a High-Priority Research Area

The bill seeks to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 by formally designating HPAI as a high-priority area for research and education. This classification is intended to draw attention and resources towards combating this disease that significantly affects poultry.

2. Research and Extension Grants

Under the terms of the bill:

• Funding Opportunities: Land-grant colleges and universities will be eligible to receive research and extension grants specifically aimed at studying HPAI.

3. Objectives of the Research

The research funded by these grants would focus on several key objectives:

• Vaccine Development:
  • Improving the efficacy of existing vaccines for poultry.
  • Researching the effectiveness of vaccines across different poultry species.
  • Enhancing formulations and delivery methods for vaccines.
  • Assessing the implications of vaccination on domestic and international poultry markets, particularly in terms of trade and market access.
• Biosecurity Enhancement:
  • Evaluating training and biosecurity practices for poultry producers.
  • Improving interventions at the farm level.
  • Developing new methods for disinfection to prevent disease spread.

4. Impact on Poultry Industry

The bill is intended to bolster efforts to manage and control HPAI outbreaks, thereby supporting the poultry industry and protecting poultry health, which is crucial for food production and agricultural economy.

Relevant Companies

• BA - Boeing: Poultry and avian health can impact broader agricultural markets, affecting supply chains that may involve aviation logistics.
• TSN - Tyson Foods: As a significant player in poultry processing, this company may be directly impacted by changes in poultry health management fostered by this bill.
• SNW - Sanderson Farms: A major poultry producer that could see changes in operational protocols and market dynamics as a result of enhanced research on avian influenza.