Wednesday U.S. Senate and House Agriculture Committee leadership called for emergency assistance for poultry and egg producers whose flocks suffered losses due to High Path Avian Influenza. House Ag Ranking Member and Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson says $84 million has already been spent and so they’re requesting additional funds from the Office of Management and Budget.

Peterson will be talking to appropriators today, but isn’t very optimistic about their response.

The H5N2 virus has impacted more than 100 farms in a dozen states and caused the depopulation of more than 8 million birds.

Also signing on to a letter to OMB were Senate Ag Committee Chair Pat Roberts, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Mike Conaway.