This week Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey requested an additional $150,000 to be used by the Ag Department to prepare for responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak. Iowa Poultry Association and Egg Council Executive Director Kevin Stiles says that’s a reasonable request and he appreciates the Secretary’s support for the poultry industry in battling avian influenza and other potential foreign animal diseases.

He says although last year’s request was for $500,000, they were able to get adequate funding amidst a tight budget.

Stiles says if they can get the $150,000 this year, part of it will go to the new veterinarian at the Ag Department to help the state’s livestock industry prepare for a possible foreign animal disease outbreak.

Stiles says two years ago they survived an avian influenza outbreak and then stepped up their biosecurity efforts. State funding also helped them develop a plan to combat future disease problems.