U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar was in Litchfield Monday morning, meeting with Minnesota turkey growers and other key officials to discuss immediate actions to stem the avian flu. At the meeting, Klobuchar heard from farmers about the effect that the avian flu has had on their family businesses, and she called for continued federal assistance and for an effective coordinated response across local, state, and federal efforts.

Klobuchar recently spoke with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to ensure that needed resources continue to be made available to support affected turkey growers. In news release, Klobuchar said

“As the number of affected birds continues to rise, I am increasingly concerned about the spread of the avian flu and its impact on Minnesota poultry growers. I’ve been pushing for federal assistance every step of the way and have called for an effective coordinated response across local, state, and federal efforts."

Klobuchar says earlier this month she also met with turkey growers, and with Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, and other state and federal officials to discuss the importance of a coordinated response to the avian flu. She has been in repeated touch with Secretary Vilsack to urge the USDA to distribute indemnity payments to turkey growers experiencing losses in a timely fashion.